Georgian Health Minister assesses transferring ex-president Saakashvili from clinic to prison as absolutely logical, correct decision

The Georgian Health Minister Mikheil Sarjveladze on Thursday assessed the decision to transfer the imprisoned former President Mikheil Saakashvili from the clinic to a prison as an absolutely logical and correct decision.

In his remarks, Sarjveladze noted that a person who had no health issues and had a sentence to serve, of course, should be in a prison facility, as was the case with all other prisoners.

“It is an absolutely logical and correct decision. In any case, no one will be able to give a counter-argument in this regard, why this decision should not have been made and implemented. I think it is an absolutely normal decision. A person who does not have health issues and has a sentence to serve, yes, of course, should be in a prison facility, as is the case with all other prisoners”, he concluded.

Georgia's Special Penitentiary Service on Wednesday released a statement confirming that Mikheil Saakashvili was returned to Penitentiary Establishment No. 12 after receiving treatment at a civilian clinic.

Saakashvili has been undergoing treatment at the Vivamedi Clinic since May 12, 2022, where he received necessary medical care under the supervision of civilian doctors.