13:15, 23 February 2018

Georgian citizen dies after detention in South Ossetia

An ambulance car. Photo © Sputnik / Konstantin Chalabov

Archil Tatunashvili, suspected of plotting a diversion act, has died in a Tskhinvali hospital, the South-Ossetian KGB (State Security Committee) reports.

The 35-year-old Georgian citizen was detained on February 22 and died at night in the hospital. According to preliminary data, his death was caused by acute heart failure.

Law enforcers of South Ossetia believe that Tatunashvili participated in the August 2008 conflict and fought for Georgia.

According to a source from the KGB's press service, when Tatunashvili was convoyed to his cell, he tried to snatch a pistol from his escort, but was stopped.

"Tatunashvili lost his balance, fell down the stairs and received traumas," the KGB asserts.

Archil Tatunashvili imported fruits and vegetables from Georgia to the border village of Leningor, South Ossetia, and was detained during his last visit to Leningor.

Law enforcers have noted that Tatunashvili had long been watched by the South-Ossetian KGB as an informer of the Georgian special services.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.

Author: Anna Dzhioeva

Source: CK correspondent