**Three Georgian Citizens Released from Russian Detention**
On January 9, the State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) reported that three Georgian citizens have been released and are now in the country’s controlled territory. The released individuals are Ivane Lutsidze, Nika Mamastarashvili, and Zurab Lobzhanidze.
**Background on Detention**
Ivane Lutsidze and Nika Mamastarashvili were detained by Russian occupying forces near the village of Knolevi in February 2024. Meanwhile, Zurab Lobzhanidze was detained near the occupied town of Akhalgori in August 2024.
**Release Process**
The release process involved the use of the EU Monitoring Mission‘s (EUMM) operational hotline mechanism and other tools at the disposal of the central government. The SSSG stated that all responsibility for destructive actions carried out in the occupied regions of Georgia rests with the occupying power.
**Government’s Efforts**
The SSSG emphasized that the Georgian government, together with international partners, continues to work actively for the release of all citizens of Georgia illegally detained in the occupied territories.