He Will Remain in Prison for at Least 6 Years: Garibashvili Speaks About Saakashvili

The Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Garibashvili, has announced that the early release of former President Mikheil Saakashvili from prison is impossible, adding that he will serve at least six years, according to Russia Today.

"Information is being deliberately disseminated that supposedly he will not be in detention for six years, that he will be handed over to Ukraine, and so on. All of this is excluded. It is out of the question that Saakashvili will be released from prison early. He will remain in prison for at least six years," Garibashvili stated.

Saakashvili was arrested in Georgia on October 1. At the same time, Georgia's Ombudsman Nino Lomjaria announced that he had started a hunger strike after his arrest, disagreeing with the charges against him and considering himself a political prisoner. Saakashvili is involved in several criminal cases in Georgia. The former president has been convicted in absentia for the murder of banker Sandro Girgvliani and for the beating of MP Valeri Gelashvili. In the first case, he received a three-year prison sentence, and in the second case, six years. Additionally, Saakashvili is involved in cases related to the dispersal of an opposition rally on November 7, 2007, the destruction of Imedi TV, and the embezzlement of state budget funds. These cases are still pending in court.