US State Department on Saakashvili's case
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The US Department of State is "concerned” by criminal charges filed against Georgia’s former president Mikheil Saakashvili.
A statement was released that voiced US concerns regarding the charges against Saakashvili, which said the US would monitor this and related cases closely.
"Commitment to the rule of law means that everyone must comply with the law in a democratic society and that the legal system should not be used as a tool of political retribution,” read Tuesday's statement.
The US Department said it would "continued to stress to Georgian officials the importance of rigorous adherence to due process and the rule of law."
On Monday Georgia’s Chief Prosecutor’s Office charged Saakashvili for the unlawful seizure of Imedi TV and other assets owned at the time by Patarkatsishvili, who died in February 2008, as well as exceeding official authorities that stemmed from the breakup of the November 7, 2007 anti-government protests.
The Chief Prosecutor's Office brought charges against Saakashvili in absentia before the defence counsel.
Criminal charges filed against Georgia’s former president Mikheil Saakashvili by the Chief Prosecutor’s Office has gained the attention of a handful of top United States (US) officials.
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Local think-tanks say they have found signs of criminal acts in relation to the charges brought against Georgia’s former president Mikheil Saakashvili but are urging investigators to present evidence to prove the charges.
The lawyers representing Georgia’s ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili and other former government officials were officially given charge sheets that detailed the official charges against their clients at the Chief Prosecutor’s Office today.
Georgia’s Chief Prosecutor’s Office has officially filed criminal charges against ex-President Mikheil Saakashvili today, July 28.
Former president of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili has been summoned for questioning by the country’s authorities although the reason for his summons is unclear. He is due to appear for questioning on July 28 at 11am.
Georgian diplomat and lawmaker Tedo Japaridze believes a response from four United States (US) Senators’ to the charges against Georgia’s former president is unhelpful and says the "bilateral cleavage emerging through the statement was both uncalled for and regrettable”.
The European Union is closely monitoring the situation in Georgia and says it "takes note with concern” regarding the criminal charges recently filed against Georgia’s former president Mikheil Saakashvili by local authorities.
The United States (US) is voicing its ongoing support of Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic future but is weary of the continuing investigations into alleged criminal acts of former officials.