The Ministry of Justice responds to the conditions set by former President Mikheil Saakashvili and explains that "visitors will be allowed to visit him in accordance with the law and the recommendations of medical staff."

The agency once again calls on Mikheil Saakashvili to "use the offered health care services without reservations."

"Convict Mikheil Saakashvili, by his own decision, does not fully receive the prescribed treatment. In order to minimize the possible risks of deterioration in his health because of his behavior, the Special Penitentiary Service offered him to be transferred to a multi-profile civil sector clinic for relevant medical treatment, due to the high responsibility the state has for human health and life. The implementation of medical measures requires the informed consent of the person, instead of which the public has seen conditions equivalent to an ultimatum.

The Ministry of Justice and its Special Penitentiary Service express full confidence in the medical institutions licensed in Georgia and the medical staff working there, which always protects human health and life.

Expressing unfounded distrust towards doctors and trying to interfere in their activities delays and hinders the implementation of medical measures necessary for health.

We once again call on convict Mikheil Saakashvili, in his own interests, to use the health services offered to him without reservations.

The penitentiary staff, in addition to health care, conduct a variety of activities 24 hours a day to ensure the safety of the inmate. Any decision will be made on the basis of a reasonable balance between these two benefits.

Visitors will be allowed to visit him in accordance with the law and the recommendations of the medical staff.

We call on politically motivated individuals to refrain from any provocative actions that may prevent Mikheil Saakashvili from making a reasonable decision for him," reads the statement.

source: IPN