Ex-pres. Saaakshvli using reports on his poisoning to mislead public, exert pressure on court – special penitentiary service

Imprisoned former president of Georgia Mikhel Saakashvili is using the claims by his entourage over his alleged poisoning to mislead the public and exert pressure on a court that is now discussing his release on medical grounds, the Special Penitentiary Service said on Tuesday. 

The agency said Saakashvili refused to conduct a toxicological examination offered by it in November, while an examination in May showed “everything was within norms”. 

The service also stressed opposition-minded channels had been using “extracts” from a health report by Empathy centre on Saakashvili’s condition, which “must have been confidential” to mislead the public over Saakashvili’s health and spark tension ahead of trials. 

It urged the defence side to act in accordance with the law and allow the court to make decisions in a calm environment. 

The health report by Empathy rehabilitation centre has pointed to more than 20 health issues, with its head Mariam Jishkariani saying the diagnosis could be related to poisoning.