The decision of Sokhumi authorities to drop charges against Rashid Kanji-Ogli, Abkhaz serviceman, who was sentenced in absentia over the murder of Giga Otkhozoria, is “unequivocally unacceptable,” Georgia’s State Minister for Reconciliation Ketevan Tsikhelashvili told Civil.ge.

“Their response to the case has never been adequate, as the murderer was never arrested,” Tsikhelashvili said. 

“Since the day this horrible crime was committed, the Georgian side, as well as our international partners, has been actively using all relevant formats, including through the IPRM mechanism in order to bring the perpetrator to justice,” the State Minister added.

In the words of Ketevan Tsikhelashvili, she raised the issue with international partners. “They are, obviously, concerned over the statement: our partners’ position is in line with the Georgian side’s position that the perpetrator needs to be punished.”

Tsikhelashvili pledged to continue working actively within IPRM, Geneva International Discussions and other international formats. “We will raise the issue of Otkhozoria’s murder at a top level. We will not stop working until justice is served.”