Photo: IRAKLI GEDENIDZE / POOL / AFP
The Tbilisi City Court has handed down a new sentence to former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili in the case of illegal border crossing. According to Echo of the Caucasus, Judge Mikhail Dzhindzholia sentenced the politician to four years and six months in prison.
Taking into account the previous sentences, Saakashvili’s total sentence has been increased to 12 years and six months, and his release date is set for 1 April 2034.
The case of illegal entry and new defendants
Four other people were also charged in this case – Elgudzhi Tsomaia, Giorgi Narimanidze, Zurab and Shalva Tsotsoria. They are being tried separately from the main trial and have been released on bail.
The case of illegal border crossing was launched after Saakashvili returned to Georgia in October 2021. He secretly entered the country hiding in a food truck. He was later detained in Tbilisi and imprisoned.
Political context and reaction
Mikheil Saakashvili, who was the President of Georgia from 2004 to 2013, considers himself a political prisoner and has repeatedly stated that his persecution is purely political. At the same time, the current government of the country insists that the cases against him are criminal and have no political basis.
His supporters condemn the verdict and consider it part of the pressure exerted by the Georgian Dream government. Meanwhile, international human rights organisations have repeatedly expressed concern about Saakashvili’s health, calling on the authorities to ensure that he is held in proper conditions and to consider his release.
What’s next?
Saakashvili has been in a Georgian prison for more than three years, periodically going on hunger strike and complaining of poor health. However, the new verdict means that his stay behind bars could last for another ten years.
The question of his fate remains a political irritant for both Georgia’s domestic politics and its relations with the West. It remains to be seen whether a review of the case or amnesty will be possible.
