Mikheil Saakashvili was taken to Gori Military Hospital
By Nika Gamtsemlidze
Monday, November 22
The former president of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili, announced that he accepted the offer of the Georgian government regarding his transfer to the Gori military hospital.
It was also reported that after his transfer to the hospital, the 3rd president of Georgia would stop the 50-day-long hunger strike. The information about this was announced by Saakashvili's lawyer, Nika Gvaramia.
The Minister of Justice of Georgia, Rati Bregadze announced the offer to Saakashvili regarding continuing the treatment in the military hospital of Gori earlier on Friday. Bregadze said that the government would fully ensure the health and life of Georgia's third president.
Saakashvili was transferred to the Gori Military Hospital around midnight. Gvaramia, as well as Saakashvili's personal doctor and his mother, visited the third president of the country in the hospital.
“The transfer procedure was completely normal, without any incidents or excesses. We are satisfied with the procedure that was carried out,” said Gvaramia.
According to Nika Gvaramia, a treatment protocol should be drawn up with the involvement of external experts. As he points out, it is important to report daily to the personal physician and all three groups of doctors that had been created. This applies to both medical and manipulative interventions, as well as test results and check-ups.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen issued a statement with Senator Risch, Senator Johnson, and Senator Cardin, saying that they welcome the transfer of Saakashvili to the military hospital and the end of his hunger strike.
The statement also focused on the trials that Mikheil Saakashvili is not allowed to attend.
“We are closely watching the trial process closely and stress the importance of ensuring the process is fair, transparent, and in-person,” reads the statement. The statement also calls that this is the time to set aside the political differences, to the benefit of the Georgian people.
While announcing the offer, the Minister of Justice said that after completing the treatment, Saakashvili will be transferred to Rustavi 12th Penitentiary Institution.
“It should also be emphasized that in case of any kind of provocation by the opponents, which may hinder the transfer of the prisoner, he will be transferred to the 18th facility [Gldani] and any offender will be held accountable,” said Bregadze.
Mikheil Saakashvili returned to Georgia at the end of September. He was arrested on October 1, the day before the local elections. From the moment of his arrest, he went on a hunger strike.
On November 1, Mikheil Saakashvili said he was ready to end the hunger strike, but only if he was transferred to a high-tech clinic.
