Opposition claims Putin blocks Saakashvili’s release amid Ukraine war

Petre Tsiskarishvili, General Secretary of the United National Movement, has claimed that Russia’s Vladimir Putin was a factor in the continued imprisonment of Georgia’s former President Mikheil Saakashvili, arguing that his release was politically unacceptable while the war in Ukraine continues.

Speaking ahead of Saakashvili’s ongoing trial at Tbilisi City Court, Tsiskarishvili said the former president has been subjected to additional sentencing to ensure effectively indefinite detention.

“Whatever Bidzina Ivanishvili wants, whatever he instructs the courts to do, they will do. Initially, Saakashvili was sentenced to six years in 2021, and as that term nears completion, another sentence was added to make it effectively a life sentence,” he said.

He added that from a geopolitical perspective, Putin did not want Saakashvili freed because of his influence, connections and resources, which could create another strong political centre in Ukraine supporting the former Georgian leader.

“Once these regimes are weakened and come to an end, then Saakashvili will be free and able to engage politically in Georgia,” Tsiskarishvili said.

Saakashvili’s trial relates to the November 7 case, for which he was sentenced in absentia on 2 August 2014. The proceedings continue at Tbilisi City Court.