Justice Ministry offers to transfer imprisoned former President Saakashvili to civilian clinic

The Georgian Justice Ministry has proposed transferring the imprisoned former President Mikheil Saakashvili to Vivamedi, a civilian clinic in capital Tbilisi, for medical checks and treatment, Minister Rati Bregadze said after the Government meeting on Tuesday.

Bregadze said the former President was provided with adequate treatment in prison but refused to follow the recommendations and take the full complement of medications. 

"Saakashvili has been prescribed medical treatment [in detention], but [...] selectively takes only a certain part of the medication, thus effectively refusing full treatment at his own discretion. Also, he makes food by his own decision and only selectively, thus endangering his own health," the Minister said.

Speaking following comments by Saakashvili’s supporters on alleged deterioration of his health in detention, Bregadze said the Government placed life and health of individuals as its priority.

A group of physicians appointed by the Public Defender published a recent evaluation that said Saakashvili’s health had “further deteriorated” since their previous visit to the Rustavi No. 12 Prison in January. The United National Movement opposition party and family of the imprisoned ex-President have requested Saakashvili be allowed to leave for treatment abroad.

Saakashvili was arrested in Tbilisi last fall 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.