Opposition slams Gov’t for release of videos on Saakashvili

Opposition leaders have slammed the Georgian Dream government for the release of videos depicting former president of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili being transferred to Gldani Prison No.18 hospital on Monday, on the 39th day of his hunger strike. 

Lelo opposition party leader Mamuka Khazaradze said that the videos could only win the heart of the enemy. 

“The videos have confirmed that the Georgian Dream is fulfilling the demands of occupants (Russia),” noting that showing the videos in which Saakashvili is ‘being dragged and insulted, were more than shameful.’ 

Former PM, head of For Georgia party Giorgi Gakharia wrote that ‘when you are becoming so similar to your enemy, you are already defeated.’ 

Head of Strategy Agmashenebeli opposition party Giorgi Vashadze said that ‘it was very hard’ to watch the videos, stating that the footage confirmed Saakashvili was a victim of inhuman treatment. 

Saakashvikli says that he was transferred to the prison hospital against his will and was verbally and physically abused by the prison personnel. 

The Special Penitentiary Service released the videos to show that it was Saakashvili who insulted the prison personnel and refused to act in accordance with the law. 

The agency says that Saakashvili was transferred to the prison hospital to prevent complications in his health.