Candidate for UNM chair vows “any methods to save” ex-pres. Saakashvili

Levan Khabeishvili, a candidate for the chair of the United National Movement – the largest opposition group in the country,-on Wednesday pledged if elected he would ensure the opening of new offices in all Georgian regions in a bid to “save” currently imprisoned former president Mikheil Saakashvili. 

The politician also claimed the party would use “all methods”, including “rushing in a clinic and taking the former official out of the medical facility”, to ensure his well-being. 

“Our European partners expect us to act and are surprised that the [Georgian Dream] authorities are supporting the Russians. When the government is illegal, when the [founder of the ruling party Bidzina Ivanishvili, a shadow ruler] is standing between the country and the European Union, I think that all our actions will be legitimate”, Khabeishvili said. 

Incumbent chair of the party, Nika Melia, claims Khabeishvili is a “puppet” in the hands of former UNM officials – David Kezerashvili and Vano Merabishvili – to remove him from the party leadership. 

Saakashvili, who currently holds Ukrainian citizenship, was arrested in Tbilisi in October 2021 and is now serving his six-year-sentence for abuse of power while in office. 

A trial hearing on granting his release on medical grounds is scheduled on Friday.