We have been paying particular attention to the numerous concerning reports of Mr Saakashvili’s deteriorating medical condition, and we have frequently raised the issue both with the Georgian authorities directly as well as in our public statements, European Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement, Johannes Hahn, stated during the debate at the European Parliament regarding the situation of Georgia’s former President Mikheil Saakashvili on Thursday.

According to him, it is the Georgian authorities’ responsibility to take all necessary measures to protect Saakashvili’s health.

“The EU has been following, at the commission, the situation of Mr Saakashvili very closely. Since his return to Georgia in September 2021, Mr Saakashvili is being detained on the charges of abuse of power among others, for which he had been convicted in absentia.

Due to health issues, he was transferred to a medical civilian clinic in May 2022 at the request of his family and lawyers. We have been paying particular attention to the numerous concerning reports of Mr Saakashvili’s deteriorating medical condition, and we have frequently raised the issue both with the Georgian authorities directly as well as in our public statements.

So most recently, on the 28th of December, our EU delegation, together with EU member states represented in Georgia, carried out a formal demarche vis-à-vis the Minister of Justice. They expressed concerns and reports of the deteriorating medical condition of Mr Saakashvili. This was followed up with a dedicated meeting with the Ministry of Justice by our EU Ambassador in Georgia. In these instances, and then all previous occasions, we have repeated that it is the Georgian authorities’ responsibility to take all necessary measures to protect Mr Saakashvili’s health. We have consistently stressed, both in private meetings and publicly, that the Georgian authorities have a legal responsibility to ensure the health of all detainees, to provide adequate medical treatment, and respect the fundamental rights in line with Georgia’s international commitments.

In addition, we systematically monitor Mr Saakashvili’s court hearings, both regarding further charges brought against him and on his request to be transferred abroad.

We have also recalled his rights as the defendant in court should be safeguarded, including the right to present himself in court. His rights as an inmate should also be respected, including his right to privacy.

Hence, the position of the European Union has been made very clear, the Georgian authorities have a responsibility to act if Mr Saakashvili’s health is in a critical condition. On this point, assessments of his health condition as well as the adequacy of healthcare available in Georgia are being contested by the different sides.

I believe that it’s in everyone’s interest that the Georgian authorities consider drawing on medical expertise from an independent, uncontested international organization. The European Union remains fully available to assist our Georgian partners in this matter,” Johannes Hahn declared.