South Ossetia: detained Georgian citizens deported

According to the decision of the Dzaus District Court of South Ossetia, on June 22, ten citizens of Georgia, who were detained on June 18 by Russian border guards, were transferred to Georgian.

A source in the press service of the KGB of South Ossetia told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that detained Georgian residents did not suffer administrative or criminal responsibility; however, they were warned about the punishment for repeat violations.

Earlier, the detainees told the journalists that they crossed the border deliberately. They confirmed that they do not intend to violate the border crossing rules again. At the same time, residents of the Oni Region of Georgia spoke for more clearly definition of the borders of South Ossetia. Besides, they advocated for the accessibility to the authorities of South Ossetia for the border crossing permits, because the resident often visit their relatives and cemeteries.

Shota Utiashvili, the head of Information-Analytical Department of the Ministry of Interior Affairs of Georgia confirmed transfer of detainees at the village of Ergneti (Gori District of Georgia).

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia explained the reasons for detention by the fact that "over the centuries Georgians and Ossetians celebrate together the religious holiday Sadzhvareoba, and during this holiday people visit the temples, situated near the line of occupation," the "News-Georgia" reported.