Medical staff in clinic ex-pres. Saakashvili receiving treatment under “incredible pressure” – director

The medical personnel in the Vivamedi civilian clinic, where imprisoned former president Mikheil Saakashvili has been receiving treatment since May of the last year, is under “incredible pressure”, the clinical director of the clinic, Zurab Chkhaidze, told the media on Tuesday. 

“They [apparently Saakashvili’s entourage] are making threats, not specifically to us, but to family members as well. Therefore, all these people will be named, all these individuals will be held accountable by relevant services, to prevent such incidents”, he said.  

Reacting to recent claims by Saakashvili’s mother Giuli Alasania earlier today, that his son lost consciousness last night, the doctor said the medical personnel was not present in a ward at that time.  

 

“The patient said he momentarily lost his balance and fell. The nurse saw the patient already in bed and he told her what happened when he went to the toilet. There are no injuries, as he says, and he does not complain of pain. He says that there was no blow to his head either,” Chkhaidze said.

A trial hearing on granting Saakashvili’s release on medical grounds or the postponement of his six-year sentence for abuse of power will resume on Wednesday.