GD sees UNM’s call on int'l community regarding Saakashvili's health as tempest in teapot
GD sees UNM’s call on int'l community regarding Saakashvili's health as tempest in teapot

The United National Movement’s (UNM) appeal to the international community regarding ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili’s health state is a storm in a teacup, Chairman of the parliamentary Human Rights Committee Mikheil Sarjveladze stated.

Sarjveladze believes the UNM’s speculations on the prisoner Saakashvili’s right to life and security is unfounded. “Speculations about the protection of the prisoner’s rights are pointless arguing and discussion. Medical care for Saakashvili will be guaranteed. It is hardly justified to exaggerate threats artificially. You are wrong if you believe that services in a private clinic depend on the wishes of inmates,” Sarjveladze said, adding that the prison infirmary is well-equipped to maintain the vital parameters of life.

The Lelo party demanded the ex-president’s hospitalization to a public medical institution provided with all medical equipment. The party said in a statement that the government is responsible for the health and life of any prison inmate.

Leader of For People party, Ana Dolidze, advised the UNM to appeal to the Strasbourg-based European Court of Human Rights to demand ex-president Saakashvili’s placement at a civic hospital.

United National Movement called on the international community, Diplomatic Corps, international and local non-governmental organizations to help ensure the Georgian third president’s right to life and physical safety.

The government says that the ex-president will be hospitalized at the N18 Prison infirmary, and no public clinic is considered.

Law enforcers arrested Mikheil Saakashvili in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi on October 1 and sent him to N12 Rustavi prison. Ex-president has been on a hunger strike since the very first day of his arrest.