On 15 August 2019, the Public Defender of Georgia arrived in the village of Gugutiantkari, where the occupation forces have been illegaly erecting the so-called artificial barriers since August 7.

The Public Defender calls on the Georgian authorities to take effective steps in close cooperation with the international community to prevent restriction of the right of free movement and the loss of agricultural land, which is a major source of income for the local population. The Public Defender also calls on the law enforcement agencies to pay particular attention to the protection of safety of the population living in the surrounding area.