Justice Minister: former President Saakashvili receiving “proper” treatment in prison
Bregadze also said Saakashvili had received “about 800 visitors” since his imprisonment late last year, calling it “a clear confirmation” that the Service was “not hiding” information on his health condition. Photo: Justice Ministry.
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Georgian Minister of Justice Rati Bregadze on Monday said the country’s former President Mikheil Saakashvili was receiving “proper treatment” in prison, with “all necessary conditions” created by authorities both for ensuring adequate diet and visitor access to the politician.
Bregadze was responding to claims by Saakashvili’s family members and the United National Movement opposition party about inadequate conditions of his imprisonment and worsening of his health, which he said “aim to directly mislead the public”.
The Minister said the claims of Saakashvili receiving “almost no treatment” in detention was “completely out of context” and called the allegation of his being left without food by the Penitentiary Service “a lie”.
Bregadze said the Service was working to prevent aggravation of Saakashvili’s health conditions and emphasised the imprisoned ex-president was provided with three daily meals and had the opportunity to buy “any kind of product” available in the prison store.
“He also has the right to receive parcels and does so on a regular basis. Consequently, presenting the situation as if he remains hungry is a deliberate lie and a deliberate campaign against the Penitentiary Service,” the official noted.
Bregadze also said Saakashvili had received “about 800 visitors” since his imprisonment late last year, calling it “a clear confirmation” that the Service was “not hiding” information on his health condition.
The Minister added Saakashvili was afforded the right of outdoor recreation but refused to use it, and added the imprisoned politician was receiving all required medical products.
Bregadze also responded to a report regarding Saakashvili's health condition published on Saturday by a member of a group of experts formed by the Georgian Public Defender, and said there were “some questions regarding this report”. The head of the Justice Ministry noted the Public Defender's Office had been contacted to clarify the questions over the report.
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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