Georgia’s jailed ex-President Mikheil Saakashvili, speaking remotely during the ongoing trial on the embezzlement of budget funds, criticized the inclusion of expenses related to Donald Trump’s visit in the case.

“Shamefully for you, you have included expenses incurred during our relationship with Donald Trump, including costs for dinner and hospitality. Trump is aware of this, and I believe the American side will also demand an explanation,” Saakashvili stated.

He claimed that the case was not only an attack on him but also on the current U.S. president.

“It is not just a mockery of Georgia and me. It is also an attack on the sitting U.S. President. You are treating expenses for hosting him as a criminal offence. Today, you are effectively putting the U.S. president on trial as well,” he said.

Saakashvili added that the presidential office’s expenditures included hosting President Biden and Hillary Clinton.

“You accuse me of causing eight million GEL in damages to Georgia, of misusing funds but these expenses were mainly for diplomatic purposes, including hosting President Biden and Hillary Clinton. Also for the foreign ministers of the island countries to build relationships and prevent them from recognizing the independence of Abkhazia and the so-called South Ossetia. While Russia spent millions to secure its influence, we relied on goodwill, occasionally offering diplomatic gifts. I had to travel to Asia twice for this reason, engaging in formal diplomatic exchanges. Now, you have exposed all this, aligning with Russia’s interests. These details were classified for security reasons to prevent Russia from tracking our meetings and movements, especially since we were in a state of war,” Saakashvili said.