Court upholds custody of Saakashvili on illegal border crossing charges
The Tbilisi City Court has ruled to maintain the custody of former President Mikheil Saakashvili on charges of illegally crossing Georgia’s state border. Judge Mikheil Jinjolia issued the decision during today’s hearing.
Saakashvili’s lawyer, Beka Basilaia, submitted a motion to revoke the detention order, arguing that the case is nearing its conclusion and that there is no longer a necessity for Saakashvili to remain in custody as a preventive measure. However, the prosecution opposed this motion, and the judge ultimately sided with the prosecution, citing ongoing risks of reoffending and the possibility of flight.
The investigation into Saakashvili’s illegal border crossing commenced on October 1, 2021. In connection with this case, charges have also been filed against four other individuals: Elguja Tsomaia, Zurab and Shalva Tsotsorias, and Giorgi Narimanidze. This case is proceeding separately, and those individuals have been released on bail.