Saakashvili claims sabotage group infiltrated into Georgia from Russia

Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili has said that, according to his information, a "subversive group whose task is to destabilise and seize power" has infiltrated Georgia.

He said this during a live broadcast from the hospital at his trial on charges of embezzlement of state funds, per Kommersant.

Saakashvili was referring to a group "consisting of Russians" who came to Georgia under the guise of tourists or relocants.

"I want to create a hotline for civil self-defence, where every citizen can call and report suspicious anti-Georgian actions," the former president said, calling on the public to "be in good shape to be vigilant against Russians who have arrived", especially "Russians with athletic physique".

Calling Russia a "predator," the former president suggested that if "you show your back to predator, it will catch up and eat you."