Imprisoned ex-pres. Saakashvili claims he's able to attract $10bln to Georgia
A hearing involving the former president is underway in the court today in the case of illegal border crossing. Saakashvili was arrested in Tbilisi on October 1 and was officially charged with illegally crossing the state border on October 20. Photo: IPN.
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Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, in prison for abuse of power, claimed at a hearing in Tbilisi City Court earlier today that he can attract 10 billion USD to Georgia.
Saakashvili further noted that he will do so only after snap elections are held in the country and a new government elected, saying that early elections ‘will either take place or those who want to wait for three years will have to put up with the fact that Georgia will no longer exist.’
The former president also touched upon the issue of national reconciliation and stated that if Georgia wants to be a civilised nation ‘we should not destroy each other.’
Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili initiated an ‘inclusive process and national conversation’ in December 2021, attempting to bring about a reconciliation of the various political parties in Georgia and an end to polarisation.
During his speech in court, Saakashvili also noted that he does not need high governmental positions, adding that he needs a ‘great and special Georgia.’
A hearing involving the former president is underway in the court today in the case of illegal border crossing. Saakashvili was arrested in Tbilisi on October 1 and was officially charged with illegally crossing the state border on October 20.
A total of four individuals who helped him cross the border were also charged with the offence and they have already pleaded guilty in the case.
Saakashvili, who underwent a course of treatment in Gori Military Hospital following a hunger strike starting the day of his arrest, was transferred back to Rustavi No. 12 prison on December 30.
Former Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili, who is serving a term in prison for abuse of power, has announced that he has completed ‘work on the country’s economic development plan’, opposition United National Movement (UNM) party member Giorgi Botkoveli says.
Ruling Georgian Dream party Head Irakli Kobakhidze has stated that he is not against setting up a parliamentary commission of inquiry to investigate the alleged ‘inhumane treatment’ of former president Mikheil Saakashvili, who claims prison staff verbally and physically abused him during the transfer to Gldani prison hospital on November 8.
Georgian Dream party MP Gia Volski says the law has not been violated by the transfer of former Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili to Rustavi No. 12 prison, noting that after recovery he had to be brought back to jail.
Former president Mikheil Saakashvili, who was undergoing treatment in Gori Military Hospital following his 50-hunger-strike since the day of his arrest in Tbilisi on October 1, has been transferred from the hospital back to Rustavi No. 12 prison earlier today, the ex-president’s lawyer Nika Gvaramia reported.
A medical council invited by the Georgian Public Defender Nino Lomjaria says imprisoned ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili still requires psychological and physical rehabilitation, noting the council’s recommendations regarding the issue “have not yet been implemented."
Georgia needs “less bureaucracy, stable and democratic change of government, less state intervention in the economy” and other elements for achieving economic development, the imprisoned former president Mikheil Saakashvili’s plan for the country reads, with the politician revealing key points on Thursday.
Georgia’s imprisoned former president Mikheil Saakashvili performed the national anthem of Ukraine, in a show of support of the country, during the latest hearing in the case against him on charges of embezzlement of state funds on Wednesday.
Former Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili, in prison for abuse of power, has gone on a second hunger strike three months after the end of his first protest, with the convicted politician telling the public on Monday the decision is a “reaction to the regime” and for a “better future for Georgia”.