The European Parliament has passed a resolution condemning the tragic murder of Georgian citizen Tamaz Ginturi, who was shot dead by Russian border guards in the village of Kirbali on November 6, 2023. The resolution, titled “On the murdered Georgian citizen Tamaz Ginturi and the abduction of Levan Dotiashvili by Russian occupation forces in the occupied Tskhinvali region of Georgia,” highlights the severity of the incident and calls for justice.
European Parliament Condemns Murder of Georgian Citizen Tamaz Ginturi, Attributes Tragedy to Russia’s Occupation
Key Points from the European Parliament Resolution:
- Direct Result of Russia’s Occupation: The resolution emphasizes that the murder of Tamaz Ginturi, along with other brutal incidents involving Georgian refugees, is a direct consequence of Russia’s occupation of Georgian territories, specifically Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia.
- Condemnation of Illegal Occupation: The European Parliament strongly condemns Russia’s illegal occupation of Georgian regions, stating it as a cl
- ear violation of international law. The resolution also denounces the illegal “bordering” of these regions by Russian forces.
- Human Rights Violations: The resolution condemns the discrimination against Georgian ethnic groups in the occupied territories, highlighting violations such as the infringement of the right to education in one’s mother tongue, unlawful arrests, kidnappings, and restrictions on freedom of movement.
- Support for Georgia’s Sovereignty: Expressing continued support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders, the European Parliament calls for peaceful conflict resolution efforts and an end to the occupation of Georgian territory by Russia.
- Call for Sanctions: The Parliament calls on the Council of Europe to review the Oktozori-Tatunashvili list—a list similar to the U.S. Magnitsky List—and i
- mpose sanctions on individuals involved in the incidents mentioned.
The murder of Tamaz Ginturi occurred in the village of Kirbali, an area within the Georgian-South Ossetian conflict zone controlled by Russian border guards. The incident further underscored the challenges faced by Georgian citizens living in areas affected by the ongoing conflict.
The Georgian government, led by President Salome Zurabishvili and Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, has urged the international community to condemn the killing, highlighting the urgent need for cooperation and addressing the broader security implications of the ongoing occupation.
As the European Parliament strongly condemns these actions and calls for accountability, the resolution seeks to bring attention to the human rights violations and tragic consequences of Russia’s presence in the region.
