The United National Movement, the largest opposition party in Georgia founded by the currently imprisoned former President Mikheil Saakashvili, on Thursday cited the latest report by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment on the former official as a “proof” on his alleged “improper treatment” in the Tbilisi Vivamedi civilian clinic.
They party claimed the report had “evidenced” Saakashvili was a “victim of degrading treatment" and that the “political imprisonment” of the leader of the “main opposition political party fundamentally destroys the opportunity for the Georgian people to express their will in a free, fair and competitive environment in the 2024 parliamentary elections”.
The CPT delegation visited Georgia in March 2023 and their primary focus was the examination of the penitentiary healthcare issues within the clinic, where Saakashvili, who currently holds Ukrainian citizenship, has been receiving treatment since May 2022, following his arrest in Tbilisi in October 2021.
The report highlighted concerns about the treatment of prisoners within the clinic, especially over the former president and indicated that Saakashvili's situation was deemed "oppressive, degrading, and not conducive to improving his health condition" due to factors such as prolonged solitary confinement, lack of outdoor exercise, and constant CCTV monitoring.
One of the central recommendations from the CPT was to transfer management authority of the three secure wards from custodial staff to the clinic's medical professionals.
Responding to the report, the Ministry of Justice acknowledged some recommendations, such as providing tables and chairs in the wards, installing phones for inmates, and ensuring outdoor activities for clinic inmates. However, the response downplayed concerns related to video surveillance of Saakashvili, medical records quality, clinic security, and the suggested transfer of healthcare responsibilities to another state agency.
Regarding Saakashvili specifically, the Ministry's response asserted the ex-president had “consistently declined” consultations with a psychologist and psychiatrist and had refused to exercise his right to outdoor activities.
The Ministry further emphasized the protection of medical confidentiality for all Vivamedi inmates and stated that any public statements about Saakashvili's health were responses to allegations of mistreatment and health deterioration.
Reacting to the report, Irakli Kadagishvili, the ruling party MP, claimed “even Sweden and Norway may not act in accordance with all recommendations”, and stressed the report had “confirmed” the country had made “significant progress” in the current state of the penitentiary system, moving in the “right direction of reforms”. He noted if further improvements were necessary, they would be implemented.
The lawmaker asserted the report indicated “all prisoners”, including Saakashvili, were held in conditions that “align with European standards”, countering opposition speculation on this matter.Commenting on potential loneliness experienced by a prisoner, Kadagishvili suggests, 'If a prisoner feels isolated, a family member should step in to provide support – whether it be the wife, son, or another relative.'"
