The signatory organizations respond to the transfer of the third President of Georgia to Gldani N18 Medical Institution. According to Mikheil Saakashvili, he was taken to a medical facility by deception and use of force, which is a gross violation of his rights. We consider the government’s decision, and its’ consequent effects, contained the risks of escalating the political situation and provoking the protesters at opposition rallies.

Last night, November 8, The Public Defender visited the third President of Georgia at the N18 Medical Institution of the Penitentiary Service. According to her,  other prisoners' insults and threatening shouts towards Mikheil Saakashvili were heard loudly. The Public Defender considers the creation of such an environment for a prisoner to be a violation of human dignity. In addition, the Public Defender clarified that the medical facility is not technically properly equipped, besides, it fails to fully comply with the recommendations issued by the medical Concilium. The Public Defender reported mentioned threats for several weeks now.

Public statements of the government officials indicate that the decision to transfer Saakashvili to a medical facility was made with their involvement and willingness, ignoring the recommendations of the medical Concilium and the Public Defender.

We believe that the full responsibility for the current events lies with the government. The government’s decisions regarding the treatment of Mikheil Saakashvili are not aimed at easing the severe political crisis in the country, nor are they dictated by the health interests of the prisoner. Given the current political situation, the country may face civil strife as a result of unjustified steps by the government.

We call on the government to take concrete steps to de-escalate the situation. Among them, the immediate transfer of Mikheil Saakashvili to an alternative medical facility, where his dignity, life, health, and safety will be protected.

Georgian Democracy Initiative (GDI)

Transparency International - Georgia (TI)

Open Society Georgia Foundation(OSGF)

International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED)

Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI)

Rights Georgia

Partnership for Human Rights (PHR)