The EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM) in Georgia expresses profound concern over the detention of four under aged Georgian citizens, between 14 and 17 years old, in the vicinity of Tskhinvali on Wednesday, 4 November.
Over the past days, EUMM has been in contact, through the Hotline, with all involved parties, in particular the de facto South Ossetian authorities. EUMM reminds that in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the appropriate treatment of under aged detainees must be ensured at all times. Among others, children taken into custody during pre-trial detention must not be placed in penitentiary facilities used by ordinary criminals; the Social Service department or its equivalent is the only authority in charge of holding under aged people in detention; under aged detainees have the right of immediate access to legal council assistance; the right to receive a visit of parents or a next of kin; and, the de facto authorities are obliged to inform parents or legal guardians of under aged detainees on the charges.
Furthermore, EUMM has been in close contact with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) representative in Tbilisi.
While EUMM declares its readiness to assist in any appropriate way, the Mission also vigorously appeals to the de facto authorities in South Ossetian to find common ground with the relevant Georgian structures in order to bring the present situation in a prompt manner to a satisfactory resolve.
Media Contacts:
Joanna Zeber +995 91 22 70 46
Virginia Antonini +995 91 22 70 24
Joanna Zeber +995 91 22 70 46
Virginia Antonini +995 91 22 70 24
