Former Georgian leader Saakashvili sentenced to 9 years in prison: 'Political persecution' reaction

12punto FOREIGN NEWS

The presiding judge of the court where Saakashvili was tried, Badri Kochlamazashvili, stated that the former president used the state budget for personal expenses such as luxury hotels, cosmetic procedures, and designer clothing between May 2009 and February 2013. Saakashvili denied these accusations, arguing that the expenditures were 'official expenses of the presidential office.' Describing the verdict as 'political persecution,' Saakashvili did not attend the hearing.

Supporters of the former president held protests in the courtroom. Protesters accused the judge of being a 'slave' to the government. Saakashvili's lawyers announced that they would appeal the decision.

According to Reuters, Saakashvili was previously sentenced to 6 years in prison in 2018 for ordering the beating of opposition lawmaker Valeri Gelashvili and for abusing his pardon power in a murder case. Arrested after returning to Georgia on October 1, 2021, Saakashvili had been receiving treatment at the 'Vivamedi' clinic in Tbilisi since May 12, 2022. With the new verdict, it was noted that the time Saakashvili has spent in custody since October 1, 2021, will be counted toward his prison sentence, and he will remain in prison for another 5 years.

TWO MORE CASES TO BE HEARD AGAINST SAAKASHVILI

It has been learned that there are two other separate cases pending against Saakashvili. The former president was being tried for illegal entry into Georgia in 2021 and for dispersing an opposition rally in 2007 and seizing the assets of Badri Patarkatsishvili, the founder of the television channel Imedi. According to local media reports, the outcomes of these cases could further extend Saakashvili's prison term.

Saakashvili, who served as the President of Georgia between 2004-2007 and 2008-2013, was one of the figures who shaped the country's pro-Western policies. After leaving the country following his term, Saakashvili was arrested upon his return to Georgia 8 years later. During his imprisonment, Saakashvili went on hunger strike twice and was taken to a clinic for treatment due to health problems.

News Source: 12punto