Ex-Pres. Saakashvili places trust in people, broader concept of “historical justice” after reported improvements in his health

Former President Mikheil Saakashvili, currently imprisoned in Georgia, expressed his trust in the majority of the Georgian people and the “broader concept of historical justice” on Monday, following reports of improvements in his health by a group of professionals under the country’s Public Defender.

In a statement posted online, Saakashvili affirmed his commitment to pursuing “historical justice for both Georgians and Ukrainians” and referenced the findings of a specific group and the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture, “confirmned” challenging conditions of his detention. However, he emphasized that his primary concern extended beyond his personal health.

Acknowledging the “risks” upon his return to Georgia in 2021, Saakashvili denounced the “injustices” he perceived in the charges against him and  firmly stated his innocence, rejecting the notion that his former presidential status implied guilt.

Saakashvili highlighted the “sacrifices” he had made for his cause, including “personal comfort, relationships, and enduring persecution, poisoning, and spinal injuries”, claiming “despite these challenges, I have remained steadfast”. 

The European Court of Human Rights rejected Saakashvili’s request for transfer abroad on health grounds last year, rejecting his claims on alleged ill-treatement and torture. International reports have not characterized Saakashvili as a victim of torture or ill-treatment in Georgia thus far.