GD head: Saakashvili’s transfer to a civil clinic carries risks

Head of the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party Irakli Kobakhidze says that the transfer of former president Mikheil Saakashvili from a prison hospital to a civil clinic carries risks.

Kobakhidze stated earlier today that opposition activists may cause unrest at a civilian hospital which may pose threats to Saakashvili’s life and health. 

He also said that all conditions have been ensured for Saakashvili’s well-being in Gldani Prison No.18 hospital. 

Kobakhidze once again called on Saakashvili to stop his 48-day hunger strike, ‘have a rest (in prison for at least six years) and rest the country.’ 

He reiterated that the opposition lacks public support, and they will not be able to ‘reach their goal and overthrow the government.’ 

Saakashvili was convicted in Georgia in absentia back in 2018 for abuse of power and was sentenced to six years in prison. 

He has also been charged with five other offences, including embezzlement, abuse of authority, illegal rally dispersal, illegal seizure of property and illegally crossing the border. 

The former president, who is now a citizen of Ukraine, claims that he returned after eight years in political exile to remove the Georgian Dream from power.