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.