Ukraine's Zelenskiy urges Georgia to help former leader Saakashvili

Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the Ukrainian president, urged Georgia on Monday (19 December) to allow its former president to travel abroad to receive treatment for his health.

Mikheil Saakashvili was the president of ex-Soviet Georgia between 2004 and 2013. He was originally credited with initiating reforms. Later, he was sentenced to six-years in prison for abuse of power charges that his supporters claim are politically motivated.

Saakashvili was first convicted in absentia in 2018. He worked for several Ukrainian governments, including Zelenskiy's, before returning home to be detained in 2021. His lawyers have requested that his sentence be suspended to allow him to seek treatment abroad.

"All have probably seen the current state of Mikheil Sakashvili’s health. In his nightly video address, Zelenskiy appealed to Georgians and to the authorities.

"Christmas is approaching, it is important to show mercy. Mikheil is suffering cruelty now. It cannot become Georgia. It must be stopped."

Zelenskiy requested that Saakashvili (54), be transferred to a hospital in the United States, Europe, or Ukraine.

Saakashvili is currently being treated at a Tbilisi hospital. He declared a new hunger strike last week in protest at being denied access to a Tbilisi court by video link.

After being encouraged by European Parliament members, he called it off several hours later.

Before adjourning until today (22 December), the court heard opening arguments by the prosecutors.

Georgian authorities claim that Saakashvili "simulating the severity of his condition" to get his release. Saakashvili has been missing from the public eye for several months.

European Union called Saakashvili's reports concerning her health "worrying" & urged the government to provide medical treatment.

Critics, including those from the ruling Georgian Dream party say he misused his power and lost support.

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