Ilia II appeals to the Patriarch of Russia to mediate the release of Zaza Gakheladze

The Georgian Patriarchate publishes the letter sent by the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia to the Russian Patriarch regarding Zaza Gakheladze.

"Your Holiness, I greet you with respect and I address you with the following issue: Zaza Gakheladze's family members appealed to us for help. Last summer, Z. Gakheladze, living in the village of Kvemo Chala, Kaspi district, was hunting near his village, around the historic Skhvilo Fortress and the temporary border with the Tskhinvali region, when he was detained by Russian borderguard-military servicemen.

As far as we know, he is currently in the Tskhinvali isolator and has been sentenced to 12.5 (!) Years. This is a very difficult ordeal for him personally, as well as for his parents, his wife and his minor children.

We appeal to you with the request to mediate Z. Gakheladze's release from prison and his return to the family. We understand that this is a difficult issue, but it should be taken into account that Gakheladze found himself there unknowingly.

His release will bring joy to the entire Georgian people, who sincerely sympathize with him for this misunderstanding.

Your Holiness, you have helped us in similar situations many times before, for which we thank you once again and hope that you will do everything in your power at this time too.

We pray for your well-being and strengthening in the service of God", - reads the letter of the Patriarch.