The European Parliament has expressed its concern over the health and imprisonment of former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, who is serving a six-year sentence for abuse of power. MEPs have called on the Georgian authorities to release him or defer his sentence on humanitarian grounds, and to ensure his access to adequate medical care.
Saakashvili’s Condition Sparks Alarm
Saakashvili, who led Georgia from 2004 to 2013, was convicted in absentia of abusing his power while in office. He says the charges were politically motivated and part of a vendetta by his rival, the oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, who founded the ruling Georgian Dream party. Saakashvili was arrested in October 2021 after he returned to Georgia from Ukraine, where he had been granted citizenship and served as the governor of Odesa region.
Since his imprisonment, Saakashvili’s health has deteriorated significantly and he has alleged he was poisoned by the authorities. He has staged several hunger strikes and refused to eat prison food. He has been transferred to a private clinic, where he appeared via video link at a court hearing on Wednesday. He showed his ribcage and said he weighed only 68 kg (150 pounds), down from 115 kg (254 pounds) when he was arrested. He also said he was suffering from kidney failure, liver damage, and heart problems.
MEPs Show Support and Solidarity
The European Parliament debated Saakashvili’s case on Thursday, where several MEPs expressed their support and solidarity with the former president. They praised his role in leading Georgia’s pro-Western reforms and bringing the country closer to the EU and NATO. They also criticized the Georgian government for its selective justice, political persecution, and backsliding on democracy and human rights.
The European Commissioner for Budget and Administration, Johannes Hahn, said the Georgian government was obliged to provide Saakashvili with appropriate health care and to respect his rights and dignity. He also said the EU was ready to facilitate his transfer to another country for medical treatment, if requested by him or his family.
The European Parliament adopted a resolution on Friday, calling on the Georgian authorities to release Saakashvili or defer his sentence on humanitarian grounds, and to ensure his access to adequate medical care. The resolution also urged the Georgian government to uphold the rule of law, democracy, and human rights, and to implement the recommendations of the EU-mediated agreement of April 2021, which aimed to end the political crisis in the country.
Saakashvili’s Supporters Demand His Freedom
Saakashvili’s supporters have also demanded his release and accused the Georgian government of torturing and killing him. They have held protests and rallies in Tbilisi and other cities, as well as in Brussels and other European capitals. They have also launched an online petition, which has gathered over 100,000 signatures, calling for his freedom.
Saakashvili’s party, the United National Movement, has said it will not participate in the upcoming local elections in October, unless he is released. The party has also called for early parliamentary elections and a snap presidential election, claiming that the current government has lost its legitimacy and trust.
Saakashvili has said he is determined to continue his fight for Georgia’s democracy and European integration. He has also thanked his supporters and the European Parliament for their solidarity and assistance. He has said he is ready to be transferred to Poland, where he has many friends and allies, as he fears he will die in Georgia.
