Mikheil Saakashvili, jailed ex-President of Georgia, has started a new hunger strike after being “denied the most basic right to attend my own trial.”
In a letter read by his lawyer Shalva Khachapuridze, Saakashvili said: “This is a violation of all Georgian and international norms, so I am forced to resort to the extreme form of protest, a hunger strike.”
Ex-President stressed that he was aware of all the risks, “but I will starve myself until I can get solid guarantees to at least attend my own trial through a video link. There is a limit to every kind of ridicule and humiliation.”
Earlier today, Saakashvili has been tried for his sentence postponement in absentia.
Judge Giorgi Arevadze read a letter from the Special Penitentiary Service claiming it was “unable to ensure” Saakashvili’s remote attendance. Judge also read the Vivamed Clinic’s letter, saying that the doctor “does not consider it appropriate” to relocate Mikheil Saakashvili.
The supporters of jailed ex-President Mikheil Saakashvili rallied outside the Tbilisi City Court as the trial for Saakashvili’s sentence postponement was rescheduled for 22 December.
A little altercation took place at the rally as the supporters asked the penitentiary service representative to explain the motion to put off the proceeding. He was referred to as “the President’s killer.” The representative left the area with the help of the police.
