Russian soldier seeks political asylum in Georgia
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 21 December 2009 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Russian soldier seeks political asylum in Georgia, 21 December 2009, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4b4456d623.html [accessed 19 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
December 21, 2009
TBILISI – Another Russian soldier has asked for political asylum in Georgia, RFE/RL's Russian Service reports.
Dmitry Khripun, 25, reportedly asked for asylum today at a Georgian police station near the village of Perevi, which has been occupied by Russian military units since last year's five-day military conflict between Russia and Georgia.
Georgian authorities immediately transferred Khripun to Tbilisi, where Migration Minister Koba Subeliani met with him.
Khripun told journalists after the meeting that his decision to ask for political asylum was morally motivated.
He said was unable "to stand the current lawlessness in South Ossetia any longer."
Georgia's breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia declared independence from Georgia in August 2008.
Russia recognized their independence and Russian military units have been guarding the two self-proclaimed republics' border since then.
Khripun is the third Russian soldier to have asked for political asylum in Georgia this year.
At least one Georgian soldier has asked Russian authorities for asylum.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
