Special Penitentiary Service: claims about inadequate medical care for imprisoned former president Saakashvili “unfounded”
The state agency said Saakashvili had been under “intensive, round-the-clock” medical supervision and provided with “all necessary medical services”. Photo: 1tv.ge
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The Special Penitentiary Service of Georgia on Friday said media reports on the alleged deterioration of the health condition of the convicted former president Mikheil Saakashvili and inadequate medical care provided to him in prison were “unfounded” and an “attempt to mislead the public”.
The state agency said Saakashvili had been under “intensive, round-the-clock” medical supervision and provided with “all necessary medical services”.
He consults with various physicians and specialists. He has been prescribed and supplied with appropriate medical treatment, which is reflected in the medical card of the facility,” the statement said.
In addition, the Service noted that Saakashvili had “selectively rejected” a number of examinations, including a magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, neurologist-prescribed treatment, a course of psychotherapy and recommended physical activity.
Like any other accused or convict, Saakashvili is given the opportunity to spend at least one hour in [prison] outdoors per day, however the convict himself refuses to exercise this right,” the statement noted.
Saakashvili was arrested in Tbilisi on October 1 after his clandestine return to Georgia. He had been found guilty of abuse of power in two cases in absentia in 2018 and faces additional charges including illegal seizure of property, embezzlement, illegal rally dispersal and illegal border crossing.
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