The European Parliament 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,” was collaboratively prepared by various European Parliament groups, with MEP Anna Fotiga taking the lead.
The European Parliament has officially adopted a resolution addressing the tragic killing of Georgian citizen Tamaz Ginturi, who fell victim to Russian border guards on November 6, 2023, in the village of Kirbali
A substantial majority, consisting of 495 out of 552 participating MEPs, expressed their support for the resolution during the voting process, underscoring the Parliament’s firm condemnation of Ginturi’s murder and the unlawful detention of Levan Dotiashvili by Russian forces in the Georgian-Ossetian conflict zone.
The European Parliament resolution places unequivocal blame on Russia for the tragic events, linking them to the broader context of Russia’s occupation of Georgian territories, including Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia. The European Parliament condemns these occupations as clear violations of international law and strongly criticizes the discriminatory practices against Georgian ethnic groups in the occupied regions.
The European Parliament reaffirms its unwavering support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders
It calls for continued efforts towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict and urges the Council of Europe to review and impose sanctions based on the Oktozori-Tatunashvili list, akin to the U.S. Magnitsky List, which aims to protect Georgian citizens in conflict zones.
The resolution sheds light on the events leading to Ginturi’s death, recounting the Russian border guards’ actions near the Lomisi church and subsequent fatal shooting. The Georgian government, led by President Salome Zurabishvili and Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, has called upon the international community to condemn this brutal attack on Georgian statehood, emphasizing the urgent need for cooperation to address the dire consequences of ongoing occupation. Tamaz Ginturi was laid to rest with military honors on November 11.