Georgian citizen Tamara Mearakishvili, detained in South Ossetia on charges of "espionage," has been released. The Georgian State Security Service reported this. It is noted that the activist is currently in territory controlled by the central government.

"As a result of intensive dialogue within the existing negotiation formats, Tamar Mearakishvili was released and is currently in territory controlled by the central government.

The co-chairs of the Geneva International Discussions were actively involved in the process. Constant communication was maintained through a hotline managed by the European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia," the statement reads.

Mearakishvili was taken to a clinic before her release. She had previously begun a hunger strike in protest, refusing food, water, and medication.

Tamara Mearakishvili, who demanded a meeting with South Ossetian President Alan Gagloev, was detained on December 23 before her announced solo picket. The activist was charged with "espionage," which carries a prison sentence of 10 to 20 years.

A few days ago, she commented on Gagloev's accusation of receiving foreign funding. She claimed she represented South Ossetia at international events and received a cash certificate for advocating for her rights. The document in question was a document she received in 2018 from the Dutch Embassy through the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The head of the self-proclaimed republic presented the corresponding "Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs certificate" at a press conference. He stated that the investigation has "facts and documents confirming her involvement in the alleged charges."