EU ambassador: “difficult to understand” why ex-pres. Saakashvili’s engagement in a trial on him wasn’t ensured

Pawel Herczynski, the European Union ambassador to Georgia, on Thursday said “it is difficult to understand” why convicted former president Mikheil Saakashvili’s engagement in a recent trial hearing over granting his release on medical grounds had not been ensured. 

A judge, who postponed the trial hearing from Wednesday to December 22, said doctors did not allow Saakashvili’s presence in a court due to his health, while the Special Penitentiary Service claimed it lacked hardware in the Vivamedi civilian clinic to ensure the former president’s engagement in the hearing via a video link.  

 

“The European Union is concerned about reports of former President Saakashvili’s deteriorating health. We have raised this issue with the relevant authorities here in Georgia. The Georgian authorities must ensure that his rights as a prisoner are fully protected”, he said. 

The diplomat noted he was happy Saakashvili changed his mind over going on hunger strike, following the rejection of his participation in the trial hearing. 

“We are closely monitoring his health and are waiting for the next steps that will be determined by the Georgian court”, the ambassador said. 

Saakashvili said MEPs requested him not to go on hunger strike, in the wake of the European Parliament resolution on Wednesday which called for his release on medical grounds.