Ex-pres. Saakashvili’s trial for release on medical grounds scheduled

The trial hearing on the release of imprisoned former president Mikheil Saakashvili on medical grounds has been scheduled on Friday. 

The lawyers applied to Tbilisi City Court with the motion last week, following a health report by a domestic organization Empathy on the third president, which had pointed to “more than 20 health issues” and potential coma and death. 

The organization also recommended the former official’s transfer abroad for treatment. 

The lawyers are requesting the release of Saakashvili on medical grounds or the postponement of his sentence. 

Saakashvili, who currently holds Ukrainian citizenship and was arrested in Tbilisi in October of the last year, is serving his six-year-sentence for abuse of power while in office in two separate cases, while three other cases involving him are still pending.