Hungry-striking Georgian ex-leader Saakashvili ‘in mortal danger’ | Abroad

The Georgian authorities announced that they want to move him from a prison hospital to a military hospital, Russia’s TASS news agency reported. If that happens, Saakashvili is prepared to stop his action, his lawyers said. Observers speak of a breakthrough.

The authorities immediately arrested Saakashvili when he returned to Georgia on October 1, after eight years elsewhere. On Thursday, he passed out during a meeting with his lawyers. The doctor who examined him afterwards says that his life is in danger. He should go straight to a normal hospital. He pointed to cardiac and neurological problems in his patient. According to the Georgian ombudsman, Saakashvili is experiencing convulsions due to his condition.

The ex-leader was transferred to a prison hospital earlier this month. He said he feared for his life and said he was mistreated by his guards. After his fainting, he was admitted to the intensive care unit. Georgian Prime Minister Garibashvili had recently caused a stir with his statement that Saakashvili has the right to “commit suicide.”

Saakashvili was president of Georgia from 2004 to 2013. He was sentenced to six years in prison in 2018 for abuse of power. He argues that his prosecution is politically motivated.

—