Mikheil Saakashvili Sentenced Again: A Political Prisoner in Georgia
A court in Georgia has handed down an additional prison sentence to former president Mikheil Saakashvili, who is already serving time for multiple offenses. On Monday, Saakashvili was sentenced to four and a half years for illegally crossing the border when he returned to Georgia from exile in 2021. His lawyer confirmed the sentence, adding that Saakashvili is already serving concurrent terms for embezzlement and abuse of power. Combined, his total imprisonment time exceeds 12 years.
Saakashvili has consistently denied any wrongdoing, labeling his latest sentence as illegal and unjust. Human rights organizations argue that his imprisonment is politically motivated, given his opposition to the ruling Georgian Dream party, which seeks to strengthen ties with Russia. During his presidency, Saakashvili worked towards closer relations with Western governments.
In a recent video posted on social media from the hospital where he is being held, Saakashvili stated, "No matter what, I will fight to the end." His remarks came on the heels of his recent nine-year sentence for embezzlement, which runs alongside other penalties he is currently serving. In 2018, he was tried in absentia and received sentences in two separate trials.
Saakashvili was apprehended in 2021 after making a surprise return to Georgia before local elections. He allegedly smuggled himself back into the country on a ferry from Ukraine. Following his return, he called for mass anti-government protests but was swiftly arrested by authorities.
At 57, Saakashvili served two non-consecutive presidential terms from 2004 to 2013. After leaving Georgia, he mostly resided in Ukraine, where he was granted citizenship in 2015, renouncing his Georgian citizenship upon becoming governor of Odesa. His Ukrainian citizenship was revoked in 2017 but was restored by President Volodymyr Zelensky in 2019.
In a recent address, Saakashvili asserted that his current predicament sends a message to President Zelensky and emphasizes the dangers faced by those who resist foreign influence and surrender their nation. He declared, "I did not surrender Georgia," all while wearing a black shirt emblazoned with "I'm Ukrainian."
Zelensky, who previously appointed Saakashvili to oversee reforms in Ukraine, has called for his transfer to Kyiv, asserting his belief that the Russian authorities are intent on undermining Saakashvili’s position.
The European Union has expressed concerns about Saakashvili's deteriorating health, repeatedly calling for his immediate release. The Council of Europe’s human rights watchdog has labeled him a political prisoner, and Amnesty International has criticized his treatment as a form of apparent political revenge.
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