Some of Georgians held at Israel airport return to Georgia
TBILISI. Aug 28 (Interfax) - Some of the 26 Georgian citizens who were held at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport two days ago, have been deported with a special flight, Georgian media said on Sunday.
Upon arrival at Tbilisi Airport they told reporters that they were never told why they were not allowed to visit Israel where they had arrived as clients of Travel to Georgia, a Georgian travel firm. In addition, they recalled the hours spent in custody and spoke of the unbearable conditions in which they were being held.
"All our documents were in order, and no one explained reasons and the motive for detention and deportation. I personally am on holiday and went to Israel to visit holy sites and pray," said one of the unfortunate tourists.
At the Tel Aviv airport, law enforcers seized their cell phones and conducted detailed searches, checking even their shoes, she said.
Georgia and Israel have had visa-free travel for almost three years, but it has become more difficult to enter that country, the deported tourists said.
The rest of the Georgians held in Israel will return to Tbilisi later on Sunday, media reports said.