Opposition politician, former mayor of Tbilisi Gigi Ugulava has called on “like-minded” colleagues to hold every briefing for the media or make comments on any topic from Rustavi Prison No.12 to activate moves for the release of imprisoned former President Mikheil Saakashvili.

Saakashvili, who was arrested in Tbilisi in early October of 2021 after eight years in political exile, has been jailed since then for abuse of power while in office.

He claims his health has deteriorated much “as the authorities refuse to ensure proper medical services,” the allegations which have been dismissed by the Special Penitentiary Service of the country.

"I understand it may be logistically difficult, including for televisions. It is much more convenient to talk from home, from the studio. Time, fuel and nerves are wasted less, but I think that even a small effort to free the captive of Putin and Ivanishvili (founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party Bidzina Ivanishvili) Mikheil Saakashvili is very important. It is important to encourage the prisoner, it is important to get rid of this unjust and historical shame, it is important that this topic is constantly on the agenda until we achieve the goal,” Ugulava said.

 

Ugualava also had to spend several years in prison under the Georgian Dream authorities for embezzlement.