Saakashvili Sentenced to an Additional Four Years in Georgia

Mon Mar 17 2025 23:46:25 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)
Saakashvili Sentenced to an Additional Four Years in Georgia

Former Georgian president faces longer imprisonment amidst political controversy


A Georgian court has sentenced former president Mikheil Saakashvili to an additional four and a half years for illegally crossing the border, compounding his existing prison time to over 12 years amid claims of political motivation.

In a recent judgment, a court in Georgia added another four-year sentence to jailed former president Mikheil Saakashvili, who is currently facing multiple charges including embezzlement and abuse of power. According to Saakashvili's lawyer, the new ruling stems from his crossing of the border upon returning from exile in 2021, with the total time now served expected to exceed 12 years due to concurrent sentences already imposed on him.

Saakashvili has consistently denied any wrongdoing, deeming the latest ruling "illegal" and "unjust." Many human rights organizations echo his sentiments, suggesting that the charges against him are politically motivated, tied to his opposition to the ruling Georgian Dream party that favors closer ties with Russia.

In a video message from his hospital detention, Saakashvili expressed his intention to continue fighting against his incarceration. He was recently sentenced to nine years for embezzlement from trials conducted in absentia in 2018. Saakashvili was arrested in 2021 upon secretly returning to Georgia to incite protests against the government and was apprehended shortly after.

The former president, who governed Georgia from 2004 to 2013, had typically resided in Ukraine, where he acquired citizenship and served as governor of Odesa. His citizenship was momentarily revoked in 2017 but restored in 2019 by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has been vocal in calling for Saakashvili's transfer to Ukraine.

Zelensky claims that Saakashvili's sentence sends a threatening message to Ukraine, reflecting what could happen to unsurrendering leaders. The European Union has voiced concerns over his health and urged for his immediate release, while the Council of Europe has described him as a "political prisoner." Moreover, Amnesty International has denounced the treatment Saakashvili has received, labeling it as "apparent political revenge."

MORE ON THEME

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 17:34:04 GMT

Rwanda Breaks Diplomatic Ties with Belgium Amid Congo Conflict Tensions

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 17:34:04 GMT
Mon, 17 Mar 2025 13:17:42 GMT

Trump’s Controversial Use of 1798 Alien Enemies Act for Migrant Deportations

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 13:17:42 GMT
Mon, 17 Mar 2025 04:17:57 GMT

**Bill Gates and Narendra Modi: A Partnership Amid Controversies**

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 04:17:57 GMT
Sun, 16 Mar 2025 04:08:11 GMT

A Deadly Trade: The Harrowing Fate of Kenyan Domestic Workers in Saudi Arabia**

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 04:08:11 GMT
Sat, 15 Mar 2025 10:40:30 GMT

U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Thai Officials for Uyghur Deportation Controversy

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 10:40:30 GMT
Sat, 15 Mar 2025 02:06:07 GMT

**Grim Discovery in Mexico: Mass Grave at Abandoned Ranch Raises Alarm**

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 02:06:07 GMT
Fri, 14 Mar 2025 22:17:34 GMT

"Descent into Chaos: The Ongoing Battle for Khartoum"

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 22:17:34 GMT
Fri, 14 Mar 2025 21:44:21 GMT

Tensions Rise as Ukraine's Zelensky Calls for Stronger US Pressure on Russia

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 21:44:21 GMT
Fri, 14 Mar 2025 16:46:36 GMT

### Iran's High-Tech Surveillance Implements Stringent Dress Code Enforcement

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 16:46:36 GMT
Fri, 14 Mar 2025 16:13:38 GMT

US-Russia Talks on Ukraine Ceasefire Deemed 'Productive' by Trump

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 16:13:38 GMT
Fri, 14 Mar 2025 14:20:38 GMT

Syrian Families Seek Refuge at Russian Airbase Amidst Sectarian Violence

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 14:20:38 GMT
Fri, 14 Mar 2025 14:15:23 GMT

Rodrigo Duterte: A Historic Arrest and a Quest for Justice

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 14:15:23 GMT
Fri, 14 Mar 2025 12:29:50 GMT

Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte Arrested for Crimes Against Humanity

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 12:29:50 GMT
Fri, 14 Mar 2025 09:51:48 GMT

**Putin's Ceasefire Proposals: Genuine Offer or Strategic Delay?**

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 09:51:48 GMT
Fri, 14 Mar 2025 08:08:17 GMT

"Massacre Allegations Rise as M23 Rebels Tighten Grasp on Eastern Congo"

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 08:08:17 GMT
Fri, 14 Mar 2025 01:37:56 GMT

Duterte Makes History: First Asian Leader in ICC Custody

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 01:37:56 GMT
Thu, 13 Mar 2025 22:21:38 GMT

Putin puts forth conditions for Ukraine ceasefire proposal

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 22:21:38 GMT
Thu, 13 Mar 2025 21:47:52 GMT

Strained Altercations: Putin's Complex Cease-Fire Conditions

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 21:47:52 GMT
Thu, 13 Mar 2025 21:15:35 GMT

Negotiations Heat Up: Putin Calls for Ukraine Cease-Fire

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 21:15:35 GMT
Thu, 13 Mar 2025 20:41:43 GMT

Trump Optimistic About Russia-Ukraine Cease-Fire While Zelensky Remains Skeptical

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 20:41:43 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.