Tbilisi Court upholds arrest of Georgian ex-president

The Tbilisi City Court has upheld the decision to keep Georgian ex-President Mikheil Saakashvili in detention as a preventive measure in connection with his illegal border crossing case, despite him already serving a sentence for other charges.

During a hearing on December 24, Saakashvili's lawyer, Beka Basilaia, filed a motion to lift the arrest, arguing that there was no need for such a measure since the trial phase on the illegal border crossing case had concluded, and a verdict was soon to be announced. The lawyer also pointed out that the ex-president was already in custody, Caliber.Az reports, citing Georgian media.

Judge Mikheil Jinjolia explained that there remained a risk that Saakashvili might attempt to flee or commit another crime, which is why the motion to lift the arrest was denied.

On August 2, the Tbilisi City Court had initially ordered Saakashvili's arrest in the border crossing case, citing concerns over potential pressure on witnesses, destruction of evidence, and the risk of further criminal activity. The court thus approved the prosecution's request for his detention.

By Naila Huseynova