Jailed ex-President labels Lelo leader as political prisoner

14:46, 02.04.2025

“Mamuka Khazaradze was unable to be coerced yesterday into affirming that I am also a political prisoner, even though I consider him to be one,” said jailed ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili during a video link at today’s trial.

Saakashvili expressed solidarity with everyone who is “unlawfully and unjustly detained.”

“They have deliberately concealed the truth about my trial and the trials of Khazaradze and Japaridze to prevent the public from learning the facts. While Mamuka Khazaradze could not be compelled yesterday to acknowledge that I am also a political prisoner, I firmly believe that he is. Both Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze are victims of political persecution.

I wish to extend my support to all those who are unlawfully detained and unjustly imprisoned, who are politically persecuted, and who are true political prisoners,” he stated.

Mikheil Saakashvili added, “It is a matter of personal conscience and reputation for anyone who asserts that I am not a political prisoner.”

By - Elene Dobordjginidze

Politics

Mamuka Khazaradze

Mikheil Saakashvili