Ex-Pres Saakashvili claims he sacrificed his personal life, freedom for Georgia during court hearing

Georgia's former president Mikheil Saakashvili has told a court that he sacrificed his personal and family life, successful career in Ukraine and freedom for Georgia, asking what more an individual could give to their country.

Speaking during a court hearing on Monday, Saakashvili defended his record in office, claiming that his government had transformed the country through infrastructure development, higher pensions, regional reintegration and economic reforms.

"Did I take anything for myself? Did I take anything away from you? On the contrary, I sacrificed my entire well-being, my personal and family life, my successful career in Ukraine, my freedom and, ultimately, put my life at risk," he said.

Saakashvili also highlighted the 2008 Russia-Georgia war, claiming that his government had mobilised international support and helped save the country. He recalled the construction of new cities, the development of tourism and efforts to bring Georgia closer to European integration.

The former president accused Georgian officials of keeping him in solitary confinement and wasting what he described as his most productive years. He blamed the authorities for his imprisonment but also criticised prosecutors, judges and prison officials for carrying out the decisions.

Saakashvili, who served as Georgia's president from 2004 to 2013, has been imprisoned since returning to the country in October 2021. He faces several criminal convictions and proceedings, which he has described as politically motivated.