Health of imprisoned ex-Pres. Saakashvili improved – specialists under Public Defender

Recent assessments of the health of Mikheil Saakashvili, the third president of Georgia currently serving time in prison, reveal signs of improvement, a team of specialists convened by the Public Defender’s office has released a report on Monday, detailing the latest developments following Saakashvili’s visit to the Vivamed civilian clinic on January 25.

The report indicates positive indicators such as weight gain and improved orthostatic tests. However, it also highlights ongoing concerns including cognitive decline, muscle atrophy, neuropathy, anxiety, and depression. The medical team underscores the necessity of continued close monitoring and psychological support for Saakashvili’s well-being.

Saakashvili, who holds Ukrainian citizenship, clandestinely returned to Georgia in September 2021, resulting in his subsequent arrest and incarceration on October 1. He faced charges stemming from various legal cases, including allegations of abuse of power, embezzlement, and illegal border crossing.

Despite assertions of political motivations behind the charges, Saakashvili’s legal battles persist. Notably, he was convicted in absentia in 2018 for incidents related to pardoning individuals implicated in the death of Sandro Girgvliani and the assault on former MP ValerI Gelashvili.

Further accusations include misuse of public funds and involvement in the dispersal of an opposition rally, as well as the storming of the Imedi TV company premises by special forces in 2007.

Saakashvili’s health concerns prompted his transfer from prison to the Vivamed clinic in May 2022, where he continues to receive medical attention.