Statement regarding Mikheil Saakashvili's further treatment

25.11.2022

The signatory organizations respond to the significant deterioration of the health of the third president of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili, and believe that the issue of his further treatment should be resolved not by political expediency, but only by the standards of protection of human life and health.

According to information released in recent days, Mikheil Saakashvili's medical condition has worsened and requires an immediate response. The former President's condition is confirmed by visitors. Saakashvili's health condition is emphasized by international partners and the president of Georgia.

President Salome Zurabishvili noted that if there is a conclusion about the significant aggravation of Mikheil Saakashvili's condition, his transfer abroad for medical treatment is “the right way, there is no other way“. Unfortunately, the government responded to this statement with political content, which contradicts the state's obligations in terms of human rights protection.

Thus, we call on the authorities and all decision-makers, when discussing the need for further treatment of Mikheil Saakashvili, including his transfer abroad, to be guided by the information and recommendations indicated in the expert conclusions, and not taking into account the political conjuncture, in order to completely exclude the risks of further aggravation of Health and loss of life.


Signatory organizations:

Open Society Georgia Foundation;
Georgian Democracy initiative;
Psychosocial and Medical Rehabilitation Center;
Prevention for Progress;
Human Rights Center;
Georgian Court Watch
Democracy Research Institute;
Center for Social Justice;
Georgian Young Lawyers' Association;
International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy;
Media Development Foundation;
Green Alternative;
Economic Policy Research Center