Mikheil Saakashvili Sentenced Again Amid Accusations of Political Retribution
Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili has been sentenced to an additional nine years in prison for large-scale embezzlement of public funds, a charge he insists is politically motivated. This latest sentence was issued by Judge Badri Kochlamazashvili of the Tbilisi City Court on March 12 and will run concurrently with the previously imposed six-year sentence for abuse of power.
Following the judge's announcement, a disturbance erupted in the courtroom as supporters of Saakashvili shouted accusations against the judge, labeling him a 'slave of the government.' In addition to Saakashvili, the court also imposed a fine of 300,000 laris (about $106,760) on Temur Janashia, the former head of the Special State Guarding Service, for his role in the purported abuse of power.
Both Saakashvili, who was in office from 2003 to 2013, and Janashia have consistently refuted all charges against them. Their assertions, echoed by the opposition party United National Movement and various political factions, resonate with many who view these trials as politically motivated retaliation. Saakashvili's presidency was distinguished by major reforms aimed at combating corruption and modernizing the country's institutions, including the police force and judiciary.
Following his presidency, Saakashvili became involved in Ukrainian politics, serving briefly as the governor of Odesa before facing tensions with Ukrainian authorities. He was arrested in Georgia on October 1, 2021, upon his clandestine return to the country ahead of local elections. Following his return, he was convicted in absentia on multiple charges related to his presidency, including granting a presidential pardon to individuals involved in notorious criminal acts.
Since his apprehension, Saakashvili has remained in custody and is presently receiving medical treatment at Vivamedi Clinic. Prosecutors have accused both him and Janashia of misappropriating around 9 million laris (approximately $3.2 million) in public funds. The court determined that Janashia's actions did not amount to direct embezzlement, yet ruled that Saakashvili utilized state resources improperly for personal expenditures.
The courtroom atmosphere was tense, with attendees chanting 'Bidzina's puppet' in reference to former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, whom many critics allege is behind these politically charged trials. During the proceedings, several individuals, including activist Zviad Kuprava, were forcibly removed for their disruptive behavior.
Although Saakashvili had expressed a desire to attend his sentencing, he cited health issues as the reason for his absence. He had previously implored the ruling Georgian Dream party to delay the verdict and sentence; however, Judge Kochlamazashvili insisted that the trial could not be postponed indefinitely, stating that a defendant's absence does not hinder the court’s ruling process.
Aside from this conviction, Saakashvili faces additional trials, including one related to the violent dispersal of anti-government protests in Tbilisi on November 7, 2007, and another concerning illegal border crossing linked to his secretive return to Georgia in 2021. Saakashvili entered the country concealed in a truck to avoid border controls, which prosecutors argue constitutes a violation of Georgian law.
These ongoing legal battles only deepen the political divides in Georgia, with Saakashvili's supporters arguing they are part of a broader strategy to exclude him from the political landscape permanently.
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