Georgian Civic Activist Detained in Occupied Tskhinvali on Espionage Charges
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
A Georgian civic activist has been detained by de facto authorities in the Russia-occupied Tskhinvali region, prompting concern from Tbilisi and human rights defenders.
Tamar Mearakishvili, a Georgian citizen who lives in the occupied territory, was taken into custody on accusations of espionage. Media outlets affiliated with the de facto authorities reported that a criminal investigation had been launched under Russian legislation related to spying, alleging that a Georgian citizen had collected and passed on information about locations described as strategically sensitive.
The Georgian State Security Service confirmed the detention, calling it unlawful and saying it was in direct contact with counterparts regarding the case.
"Today, the fact of the illegal detention of Tamar Mearakishvili, a Georgian citizen permanently residing in the occupied territory, was confirmed through a hotline from Tskhinvali," the State Security Service said, adding that "intensive communication is underway regarding this issue."
While the initial report by de facto media did not identify the detainee by name, activists and rights groups in Tbilisi later confirmed that the person arrested was Mearakishvili, a well-known local civic activist and former journalist.
According to additional statements released by the occupation authorities, Mearakishvili is suspected of sharing information with foreign media outlets allegedly linked to Georgian security structures. The accusation claims that such cooperation was used for what they described as propaganda activities in favor of Georgia and its Western partners.
Mearakishvili had publicly criticized the de facto administration shortly before her arrest. In a social media post addressed to one of the region's de facto leaders, she wrote that she had repeatedly sought an official meeting for more than a year without success. She also said she had begun a hunger strike in protest.
"I was forced to begin a hunger strike due to the arbitrary actions of the authorities, complete disregard of labor legislation, and the violation of my rights," she wrote. She further alleged large-scale misuse of public funds in her district, citing audits related to education, healthcare, municipal services, and local administration.
The detention triggered alarm among human rights advocates in Tbilisi. Former Public Defender Ucha Nanuashvili said Mearakishvili has been under pressure for years because of her outspoken views.
"Persecution of critical citizens is reaching new levels in the region," he wrote, calling on the Georgian government and international partners to act swiftly to secure her release.
Mearakishvili has previously faced legal action by the de facto authorities. In earlier cases, she was detained and prosecuted over accusations related to defamation and alleged document falsification connected to her citizenship status.
