A group of physicians rallied at the Governmental Administration demanding to hospitalize jailed ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili at a civilian clinic.

The protesters claimed that prisoner Saakashvili had been on a hunger strike for 40 days and the prison infirmary is not a suitable place to take care of his aggravated health state.

They also echoed the video footage released by the Penitentiary Service and claimed that natural juices and fruit purees could hardly be considered food.

Vili Pachkoria, President of the Association of Clinics, said the ex-president did not violate the hunger-striking ethics. Doctor Vazha Gaprindashvili insisted that regardless of Saakashvili’s status, be that a convict or a criminal, he must be provided with care as envisaged by the legislation.

“Hunger does not necessarily aim at a suicide. It is a form of protest, and all hunger strikers are trying to continue this protest for as long as possible,” Vazha Gaprindashvili claimed, explaining the reason behind reports about Saakashvili getting food supplements and nutrients as recommended by the medical personnel.

Transferred to N18 Gldani prison infirmary from N12 Rustavi Prison last evening, jailed ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili said he refused to cooperate with the medical personnel and would only meet his personal physician.