LEPL Levan Samkharauli National Forensic Bureau identified 25 more bodies of militaries fighting for the territorial integrity of Georgia and heroically deceased in Abkhazia. The burial ceremony shall be conducted on 17th of October, 2017 at the Brotherhood cemetery. Among the identified heroes are Colonel of Security Services of Georgia, Mamia Alasania; Mayor of Sokhumi, Guram Gabiskiria; Members of the Ministers Cabinet of Abkhazia ArShel Shengelia, Vakhtang Gegelashvili and their fellow soldiers, who defended the High Council of Sokhumi until the end and sacrificed their lives to the integrity and freedom of Georgia.
The identification process has been launched since September 2013 with the support of the International Committee of the Red Cross and is an ongoing process.
DNA experts of the National Forensic Bureau retrieved biological samples of up to 3246 family members of missing soldiers and elaborated 1508 genetic profiles in total. Genetic profiles were further sent to Zagreb DNA Laboratory, where they were compared with the genetic portfolios of the exhumed bodies.
Identification process continues and the Bureau will continue its active participation.
Levan Samkharauli National Forensic Bureau extends its condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers and honors the memory of the fallen heroes.