Justice Minister says there is no need, obligation to let Ukrainian Public Defender enter prison
Denisova wanted to meet with the head of the prison and chief physician to ensure that the prison hospital is fully equipped and professional doctors are on call. Photo: video grab.
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Georgian Justice Minister Rati Bregadze has stated that there is no need nor obligation to let the Ukrainian Public Defender enter the prison holding former president Mikheil Saakashvili, noting that 'when a prisoner is in a medical facility, we are obliged to do our best to protect his health.'
For these reasons, the Public Defender has not been admitted yet. Also, a letter has been sent through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and we will definitely return the reply,” Bregadze said.
Bregadze’s explanation was preceded by the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Lyudmyla Denisova’s statement that she was denied entry to Gldani prison.
Denisova wanted to meet with the head of the prison and chief physician to ensure that the prison hospital is fully equipped and professional doctors are on call.
She also noted that Bregadze did not answer her calls and messages.
Bregadze stated that Denisova made a one-sided statement when she first visited Saakashvili in Rustavi prison, saying that ‘she did not even ask us if the information provided to her was true.’
MEP Anna Fotyga was also denied entry to the prison on November 13, to visit the ex-president following his transfer to Gldani prison hospital.
I was refused to visit Michael Saakashvili in prison. I regret the lack of good will &transparency on the side of gvt. of Georgia &reiterate that there still is a chance of solving this situation. Gvt. of Georgia is fully responsible for life and health of the former president.
— Anna Fotyga Biuro Poselskie (@AnnaFotyga_PE) November 13, 2021
Fotyga expressed her disappointment over being barred from visit Saakashvili, saying that the Georgian government is 'fully responsible' for the former president's current state.
According to the Prison Code of Georgia, the accused and convicted have a right to meet with close relatives, defence lawyers, or diplomatic representatives.
Bregadze also emphasised that Saakashvili has had more than 200 visitors since his arrest on October 1, adding that ‘his personal doctor enters the facility on a regular basis.’
The former president, who is a citizen of Ukraine and currently chairs the Executive Committee of the Ukrainian National Reforms Council, has been on hunger strike for 46 days, demanding his transfer to a civil clinic.