Russian Border Guards Detain 8 Georgian Citizens

On August 17, Russian border guards detained seven Georgian citizens near the villages of Azhvitsi and Akhalubani, close to the Georgian-Ossetian contact line. Today, August 18, it has been reported that they have detained one more citizen, according to Alik Media.

The ages of the detainees range from 18 to 38. According to the State Security Council, the detainees are being held in the Tskhinvali isolation facility.

Reports indicate that the citizens were on their way to the St. George Church, located near the contact line.

It is worth noting that on the night of August 7, the Russian border guards moved a sign reading "South Ossetia" approximately 350 meters forward along the Georgian-Ossetian contact line, and barriers were installed.