Saakashvili asks USA for sanctions against Georgian authorities

The United States should condemn Georgian authorities and impose sanctions for violations of human rights in the country, Mikheil (Mikhail) Saakashvili has urged in his appeal.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on October 1, immediately after his arrest, Mikhail Saakashvili went on a hunger strike. His advocates, personal doctor and supporters sought to transfer Saakashvili to a civilian clinic. The Georgian Ministry of Justice (MoJ) made concessions only on the 50th day of his hunger strike, after Saakashvili fainted and was taken to the intensive care unit of the prison hospital. The politician was transferred to a military hospital, and on November 20, he began taking food under doctors' supervision.

Via his advocates, Mikhail Saakashvili has sent a letter to the international edition named "Politico", in which he asked the US Congress to consider imposing sanctions against violators of human rights in Georgia, the "Interfax" has written today.

"In October, I returned to Georgia, where I was detained on charges that I am sure are politically motivated. I held a hunger strike for 50 days, protested against my detention, as well as against the attempts of the Georgian government to undermine democracy. Over the past few years, the ruling 'Georgian Dream' Party has tightened control over the judiciary and many state and non-state media outlets. [...] The USA should openly condemn Georgian authorities for their attempts to undermine democracy. The US Congress should also consider imposing sanctions for violations of human rights in Georgia in accordance with the Magnitsky Act," Saakashvili has stated in his letter as quoted by the "InterPressNews".

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on November 21, 2021 at 12:43 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.