Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili has thanked European Parliament members for adopting a resolution that “once again demands” his release and transfer abroad.

The former president outlined key points from the resolution, stating it “condemns Georgian Dream’s policy, which has diverted Georgia from the European path and brought it closer to Russia and its allies.”

Saakashvili highlighted that the resolution noted his role during his presidency from 2003-2012, saying it “emphasised that President Mikheil Saakashvili paved the way for Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations during his leadership, and the United National Movement played a decisive role in starting and advancing Georgia’s European integration process.”

He said the resolution condemns the persecution of political opponents and considers that upcoming elections “do not represent an opportunity to reflect the Georgian people’s democratic choice.”

The European Parliament passed the Georgia resolution with amendments relating to European Commission reports from 2023 and 2024. The document received 490 votes in favour, 147 against, and 49 abstentions.