Former President Saakashvili Transferred from Hospital to Prison

The Special Penitentiary Service has transferred former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili from the military hospital in Gori back to Rustavi Prison No. 12, where he has been held since his arrest, reports the 'Rustavi 2' television channel.

Saakashvili's transfer was originally planned for December 27 but was postponed by the penitentiary service due to the deterioration of the former president's health. Saakashvili himself recounted that he lost consciousness when resisting those attempting to take him from the military hospital.

“These people were specifically instructed that Saakashvili should welcome the New Year in prison, and they are carrying it out,” said Levan Khabeishvili, a lawmaker from the largest opposition party, the 'United National Movement', near the hospital.

He recalled Saakashvili's earlier statements that he would resume a hunger strike if taken from the hospital to prison. The Special Penitentiary Service has yet to make any announcements regarding this matter.

Earlier, Georgian Minister of Justice Rati Bregadze stated that according to doctors' conclusions, the former president had recovered and should return to prison. However, Saakashvili's supporters, lawyers, and personal physician argue that the former president still requires medical treatment.

Since November 20, Saakashvili had been receiving treatment in the Gori hospital following a 50-day hunger strike he declared on the day of his arrest, October 1. According to television reports, security measures have been intensified at Rustavi Prison, and special equipment has been brought near the facility.

Saakashvili was arrested based on two sentences issued against him in absentia, receiving a total of six years in prison.