GYLA representatives visited the village Ditsi, territory bordering the occupation line, where they met with local population and law enforcement representatives. As it is known, for the last few days Russian border guards started installation of barbed wire fences 300 meters away from the occupation zone, to the vicinity of the village.
Fortunately, the process has been terminated at this moment, however, if Russian soldiers continue the process, there is a risk that plots of several residents, their fruit gardens and graveyard will appear on the occupied territory and as a result they will be forced to leave their houses and their right to property, privacy right and family rights will be prejudiced.
GYLA also met with family members of illegally arrested individuals in the village Ditsi and Kvesheshi, who are still in Tskhinvali prison. Unfortunately, the facts of illegal arrest by Russian and Osetian militaries are frequent. As residents of the village Ditsi report, after 2008 war prior to moving the occupation line, Russian militaries used to “visit” their plots. It is evident, that security of local population is not guaranteed. Individuals living in the vicinity of occupied territories carrying out agricultural or other activities face the real risk of being arrested unlawfully and their rights to life, health, property are also prejudiced. Regrettably, the facts are frequent and these are not only recent day incidents.
In view of above, GYLA:
- Calls on the government of Russia to put an end to interference in Georgia’s territorial integrity and to violation of basic principles of international law and to observe commitments undertaken by 2008 Ceasefire Agreement. It is Russia which implements effective control over occupied territories on South Osetia territory, therefore, according to international law principles and standards of the European Human Rights Law, Russian Federation should bear responsibility on each fact of illegal deprivation of liberty and other human rights violations, even if they have been committed by representatives of de facto government.
- Urges Georgian authorities to utilize all possible diplomatic or legislative levers for protecting safety of Georgian citizens. Furthermore, it is important to work out a special plan and legislative mechanism with a view to register in a simplified way title on land of the population residing in risk prone area, that will be effective tool for these individuals to combat for restoration of their rights.
- Urges international organizations and diplomatic corps to demand from Russian Federation fulfillment of undertaken international obligations with a view to spot annexation of the Georgia’s territory and violation of rights of residents living along the occupation line.
GYLA represents interests of number of individuals living near the administrative boarder in the European Court of Human Rights in terms of violation of property rights and unlawful restriction of liberty. Furthermore, GYLA is ready to provide legal assistance to other individuals, if necessary.
