Prepared by Messenger Staff
Three Georgian Citizens Detained by Russian Forces Near Khurvaleti, One Released
Three Georgian citizens were illegally detained on May 20 by Russian occupation forces near the village of Khurvaleti, located in the Gori Municipality, according to a statement released by the State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG).
One of the detainees has since been released and returned to Georgian-controlled territory, while the other two remain in unlawful custody.
In response to the incident, the SSSG immediately activated the "hot line" mechanism managed by the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM). Additionally, the Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) and other international partners have been notified.
The agency emphasized that all available diplomatic and legal mechanisms have been mobilized to secure the swift release of the remaining detained individuals.
"The responsibility for all destructive acts committed in the occupied territories of Georgia, as well as along the occupation line, lies with the occupying power," the SSSG stated.
Georgia Extradites Suspects Wanted in France for Human Trafficking
Georgian authorities have extradited several individuals to France who were wanted for trafficking-related crimes linked to a transnational criminal network, the Prosecutor's Office of Georgia announced on Monday.
According to the statement, the suspects were arrested on Georgian territory by the Ministry of Internal Affairs following coordinated efforts between Georgian and French law enforcement agencies. The individuals had been sought by France since 2024 via Interpol Red Notices.
French investigators allege the suspects were part of a transnational organized group that operated under the guise of a "Tantra Yoga" enterprise. Within this framework, the suspects reportedly participated in the trafficking and sexual exploitation of at least seven victims in France.
"The leaders of one of the group's divisions facilitated the transfer and sexual exploitation of these individuals on French territory," the Prosecutor's Office cited from the French investigation.
Georgian courts at all levels approved the extradition, with the final decision signed by the Minister of Justice on April 16, 2025. The suspects were subsequently handed over to French authorities by personnel from Georgia's Special Penitentiary Service.
