US State Department releases statement over deterioration of Saakashvili’s health

On December 14, a court session will be held in Tbilisi to consider the petition of lawyers to postpone the punishment and release of ex-president of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili due to a critical state of health, Report informs referring to the Georgian media.

Lawyers and independent experts claim a catastrophic deterioration in Saakashvili’s health, which, in their opinion, could lead to death, but the authorities deny this.

Meanwhile, on December 12, the US State Department called on the Georgian authorities to take the necessary measures for the health of the ex-president, who, according to doctors, has lost 42 kg since the day of his arrest.

“Protecting Saakashvili’s health and protecting human rights is the responsibility of the Georgian government. Based on the recommendations of the Public Defender’s medical experts, we will continue to speak to the appropriate individuals to take the necessary steps for Saakashvili’s health and well-being,” the State Department said in a commentary to VOA.

The third president of Georgia has been imprisoned since October 1 last year, he secretly arrived in the country from Ukraine and was arrested in two cases, the decision on which was made in absentia. Six months ago, Saakashvili was transferred from prison to the Vivamed clinic.