Ex-pres. Saakashvili ready to meet with new public defender

Imprisoned former president of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili on Thursday said he was ready to meet with new public advocate Levan Ioseliani in the coming days, after the latter saying earlier this week he was ready to meet with the former official, who is currently receiving treatment in the Vivamdi civilian clinic in Tbilisi. 

Ioseliani, who represents the Citizens opposition party, was elected by the parliament to the post earlier this month. 

Former public advocate Nino Lomjaria was frequently slammed by the current Georgian Dream authorities for “being affiliated” with the third president’s United National Movement opposition party, while foreign missions in Georgia praised her for her activities. 

Saakashvili was arrested in Tbilisi in October 2021 after eight years in self-imposed political exile.  

Tbilisi city court and court of appeals rejected Saaakshvili’s transfer abroad on health grounds earlier this year.

The former president, who is serving his six-year-sentence for abuse of power while in office, currently holds Ukrainian citizenship.