Georgian Justice Minister Rati Bregadze on Monday said the demand in the European Parliament’s resolution is “unsupported” by facts, as proven by [ex-president] Mikheil Saakashvili’s letter to the Strasbourg Court dropping his complaint.

As Bregadze stated at today’s briefing, “The resolution text on Saakashvili is tendentious and MEPs lack comprehensive information.”

“On 18 April 2024, the lawyer of the convicted Saakashvili wrote to the Strasbourg court about withdrawing the lawsuit saying Saakashvili’s condition is not life-threatening. The 25 April resolution demanded the release of convicted Saakashvili on humanitarian grounds and his transfer to a foreign country for treatment.

We are dealing with complete inconsistency as on 18 April, Saakashvili requested dismissal of the case, citing his non-life-threatening health. However, the EP resolution called for his transfer for treatment overseas.

All this testifies that this part of the resolution is rather tendentious and the members of the European Parliament lack comprehensive information. Moreover, they were heavily influenced by Saakashvili and the United National Movement. The convict’s mother and one of his supporters were spotted at the European Parliament.” The Minister claimed adding that the resolution’s demand is “unjustified by facts, as proven by Saakashvili’s letter.”

For the record, Mikheil Saakashvili withdrew a complaint from the Strasbourg Court. The letter states that his health condition is not life-threatening.

With 425 votes to 30, the European Parliament endorsed the joint motion tabled by five parliamentary groupings, which also discussed Saakashvili’s release.