Accident – Death – Obituary News :
The Disappearance of Malkhaz Zedginidze
Back in 1993, in the midst of the conflict in Abkhazia, Malkhaz Zedginidze, the eldest among four siblings, left for duty with the 222nd battalion of the 22nd Motorized Rifle Brigade. Little did his family know that this would be the last time they would see him.
On 7 July 1993, during an operation near Guma village, Malkhaz went missing. Despite extensive searches by his fellow soldiers, no trace of him was found. His mother, Eteri, refused to believe that her son was gone. She would visit the Akhaltsikhe military base daily, clinging to hope.
Years passed, and in 2013, the Zedginidze family sought help from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to locate Malkhaz. Eteri participated in various activities through the ICRC’s accompaniment programme for families of missing individuals, finding solace in the support provided.
Discovering the Truth
After a long and arduous search, Malkhaz’s remains were finally identified in November 2023. His brother, Ramaz, struggled with the decision of how to break the news to their parents. With the assistance of Tamta Kupatadze, a field officer at ICRC, they decided to share the truth with the family.
When Tamta visited the Zedginidze family to deliver the news, Eteri’s initial optimism faded as she faced the reality of the situation. She requested to see her son’s remains to find closure and bid him a final farewell.
Impact of Support
Through the accompaniment programme, families like the Zedginidzes have found a community that understands their pain. The psychological support provided has helped individuals cope with their loss, fostering acceptance and understanding within their families.
Feedback from participants in the programme reflects the positive impact it has had on their lives, allowing them to express their emotions and connect with others who share their experiences.
The Accompaniment Programme
The accompaniment programme in Georgia offers a range of activities to support families of missing individuals. From psychological sessions to legal awareness and commemorative events, the programme aims to address the needs of those facing uncertainty.
In 2023, Georgian authorities took over the implementation of the programme, providing support and resources to families seeking closure. Awareness sessions and events have helped families come together to honour their missing loved ones and find peace.
As Eteri Zedginidze bids her son farewell, surrounded by others who have experienced similar losses, she finds solace in the support she has received. The journey of the Zedginidze family serves as a testament to the importance of community and understanding in times of grief.
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