Ex-pres. Saakashvili should attend trial remotely – lawyer

Shalva Khachapuridze, a lawyer of convicted third president of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili, on Tuesday said a judge had ordered his client to attend a trial hearing, involving him on Wednesday, remotely. 

The trial concerns Saakashvili’s release on medical grounds.   

“The judge issued an order that he must attend the trial at least remotely. However, if Viivamedi clinic [where Saakashvili has been receiving treatment since May] gives permission, the former president may participate in the process”, the lawyer said.  

 

“There are 30 witnesses. However, if his [Saakashvili’s] health deteriorates rapidly, then I do not rule out that we simply publish the testimony of several witnesses and do not interrogate them,” said Khachapuridze.

The trial was initially scheduled on December 9 and was scheduled due to technical problems.