Russia seeks extradition of Georgian allegedly participating in Ukraine's military confrontation, currently in Armenian custody
In a surprising turn of events, a Georgian national named Giorgi Koniani was arrested in Armenia on September 3, 2023, at the Gogavan border checkpoint in the Lori region. The Armenian Interior Ministry confirmed the arrest, but it remains unclear whether Armenia will hand over Koniani to Russia, where he is wanted for fighting in Ukraine against Russia's full-scale invasion.
Koniani has been on an interstate wanted list issued by Russia for mercenary activities. The Georgian national volunteered to fight alongside the Georgian National Legion following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The Legion, officially integrated into the Ukrainian Army, is recognised as a terrorist organisation and its soldiers as mercenaries by Russia.
In a statement to RFE/RL, the spokesperson for the Armenian Interior Ministry, Narek Sargsyan, confirmed the arrest but did not disclose further details. Koniani was previously supported by the Georgian Legion in his fight against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The Caucasus region is experiencing changes, with independent journalism under threat. The arrest of Koniani adds to the complex political landscape of the region, as Armenia has previously refused to hand over Russian nationals accused of deserting the Russian army or evading the draft.
It is worth noting that Koniani was sentenced to seven years in absentia by a court in Russian-occupied Donetsk. Russia's recognition of Koniani as a mercenary and the subsequent arrest in Armenia further complicates the situation, raising questions about international relations and the rights of volunteers fighting against occupation forces.
As the situation unfolds, it is crucial to maintain a clear and objective perspective, ensuring factual accuracy and staying faithful to the given information. The construction of a newsroom by a community in the region underscores the importance of independent journalism, providing a platform for truth and transparency in times of uncertainty.
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