Resident of South Ossetia Marik Dudaev released in Georgia

Marik Dudaev, a resident of South Ossetia, convicted in Georgia in 2005, was released on June 7, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was informed by Lira Tskhovrebov, the chair of the Association of Women of South Ossetia for Freedom and Human Rights.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Marik Dudaev was detained on March 16, 2004. On November 29, 2005, he was sentenced in Georgia to 23 years in prison on charges of a number of grave crimes, including three murders. Dudaev pled guilty in part – of one of the murders. During detention Dudaev was seriously wounded; and the South-Ossetian party asked to release him because of his state of health.

The fact of Dudaev's release was confirmed by Murat Djioev, the presidential envoy for post-conflict settlement. He told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that Marik Dudaev was already at home.

Mr Djioev has noted that the issue of Marik Dudaev's release had been repeatedly raised during the Geneva debates and meetings of co-chairs of the Geneva debates held in South Ossetia. "His release is a great positive result of long negotiations," said the envoy.

So far, the "Caucasian Knot" has no comments of Georgian authorities on Marik Dudaev's release.