Hartzell: MEPs calling for Saakashvili’s release are key players in European parliament

EU Ambassador to Georgia Carl Hartzell  stated today that  the MEPs, who have recently  signed a letter on  the release of ex-president of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili from prison, are important figures in terms of foreign policy of the European parliament, including the issues of Georgia and Eastern partnership.

 

More than 70 politicians, including MEPs, have signed the letter publicized on October 18, arguing that Saakashvili needs to be released from prison until the European Court of Human Rights finishes hearing into his case.

 

Hartzell’scomment came after PM of Georgia Irakli Gharibashvili publicly responded on the letter yesterday.

 

“These MEPs better focus on their own countries”- said Gharibashvilii .

 

Hartzell stated that the comments made by individual MEPs is their own decision and he does not want to speculate about this topic.

 

As for the issue of Saakashvili,Hartzell noted that the government of Georgia should adhere to the rule of law, and that fundamental rights of prisoners should be respected.

 

“Fundamental rights must be protected. The legal process must the transparent and in accordance with the rule of law,” said the EU ambassador.

 

One of the initiators of the letter, MEP Anna Fotyga told the opposition-minded TV channel Mtavari Arkhi on October 14 that Saakashvili must be released from prison immediately.

 

Saakashvili was arrested in Tbilisi on October 1, a day before Georgian municipal elections, after eight years in political exile. 

 

He claims he returned to help his United National Movement opposition party to change the Georgian Dream government.

 

Saakashvili, who is now a citizen of Ukraine, was convicted in Georgia in absentia back in 2018 for abuse of authority. 

 

He has also been charged with four other offences which are still in courts.