It is the responsibility of the Georgian Government to take all necessary measures to protect Saakashvili's health, - European Commissioner for Budget and Administration Johannes Hahn said during the debate held in the European Parliament regarding Mikheil Saakashvili's health.

“The EU had been following the situation of Mr. Saakashvili very closely since his return to Georgia in September 2021. Mr. Secretary is being detained under charges of abuse of power among others, for which he had been convicted in absentia. Due to health issues, he was transferred to a medical civilian clinic in May 2022 at the request of his family and lawyers. We have been paying particular attention to the numerous concerning reports of Mr. Saakashvili’s deteriorating medical condition, and we have frequently raised the issue both with the Georgian authorities directly, as well as in our public statements.

We have repeatedly said that it is the Georgian authorities’ responsibility to take all necessary measures to protect Mr. Saakashvili’s health. We have consistently stressed both at private meetings and publicly that the Georgian authorities have a legal responsibility to ensure the health of all detainees, to provide adequate medical treatment and respect the fundamental rights in line with Georgia's international commitments. In addition, we systematically monitor Mr. Saakashvili’s court hearings, both regarding the charges brought against him and his request to be transferred abroad.

We have also said that his rights as a defendant in court should be safeguarded, including the right to be present himself in court. His rights as an inmate should also be respected, including his right to privacy. Hence the position of the European Union has been made very clear. The Georgian authorities have a responsibility to act if Mr. Saakashvili’s health is in a critical condition. On this point, assessments of his health condition, as well as the adequacy of health care available in Georgia, are being contested by the different sides. I believe that it's in everyone's interest that the Georgian authorities consider doing medical expertise by an independent uncontested international organization. The European Union remains fully available to assist our Georgian partners in this matter”, said the Commissioner.

He noted that the EU will keep mobilizing all diplomatic efforts in order to avoid any dramatic outcome.

“Let me assure you that we will continue to closely monitor the developments regarding Mr. Saakashvili. We will keep mobilizing all our diplomatic efforts in order to avoid any dramatic outcome that would carry unpredictable risks. At the same time, we remain fully engaged in supporting and encouraging Georgia's ruling party and opposition parties to deliver and implement, in an inclusive and constructive way, key reforms in line with the EU’s 12 priorities”, said the Commissioner.

source: IPN