Ex-pres. Saakashvili’s release on medical grounds still postponed

The trial hearing on the release of convicted former president of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili on medical grounds, was postponed from Wednesday to December 22, as the penitentiary service could not ensure the former official’s participation in the process remotely as doctors refused to allow his presence in the court. 

The trial has been rescheduled for the second time, as it was initially held on December 9. 

The prosecution had demanded 30 days at the trial to study the reports on Saakashvili’s health, with the latter’s lawyers claiming the “biggest portion” of the reports had been provided by the service itself and there was “no need” of “lingering time”.  

The lawyers also slammed the service for the absence of devices in the Vivamedi civilian clinic, where Saakashvili has been receiving treatment since May 12, to ensure their client’s involvement online. 

The family and lawyers say that the ex- president is in “urgent need” of transportation abroad for “proper treatment”, while the Government calls the claims “speculations and manipulation” to reach Saakashvili’s release from prison. 

Saakashvili, who currently holds Ukrainian citizenship, was arrested in Tbilisi in October 2021 and is now serving his six-year term for abuse of power while in office.