UNM’s role “decisive” in “saving” ex-pres. Saakashvili – opposition leader

The role of the United National Movement – the largest opposition group in the country founded by former president Mikheil Saakashvili – is “decisive” for “saving the life” of the latter, Giorgi Vashadze, the head of Strategy Agmashenebeli opposition party said on Friday. 

He urged the UNM to set up a new office that would unite the public “around the common goal” to ensure Saakashvili’s release on medical grounds, and attract international interest over the topic. 

“We need great unity inside the country”, he said. 

A trial hearing on Saakashvili’s release on medical grounds or the postponement of the rest of his sentence was held in Tbilisi city court on Thursday. 

The opposition politicians claim if the trials linger, the former official may die due to his “complicated health”. 

The Government officials say Saakashvili is “deliberately” deteriorating his health to escape justice.