Degnan: creation of investigative commission into Saakashvili’s case up to parliament

US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan says that it is completely up to the Georgian state legislature to create an investigative commission into imprisoned ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili’s case.

 

“It is not up to me to decide,” Degnan has told journalists.

 

Saakashvili and several opposition parties are demanding the creation of the commission, stating that the former president was a victim of degrading and inhuman treatment in prison.

 

Degnan says that the US is interested in Saakashvili’s rights to be ensured.

 

“It is in our interest Mr. Saakashvili’s rights to  be protected, that he be treated with dignity, that he receive the necessary medical care, and that he enjoy a fair trial,” said Degnan.

 

“As far as I know, Mr. Saakashvili has sent a lawsuit to the European Court of Human Rights and there are special procedures according to which these issues are considered.”

 

The United National Movement – United Opposition bloc has already initiated the creation of the commission.