We, the signatory organizations respond to the significant deterioration of the health of the third president of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili, and we believe that the issue of his further treatment should be decided not by political expediency, but only based on the standards of protection of human life and health.

According to the information spread in recent days, Mikheil Saakashvili’s medical condition has been even more aggravated and requires an immediate response. The worsening of the ex-president’s condition is also confirmed by those who visited him. Saakashvili’s health condition has been highlighted by international partners and by the President of Georgia.

President Salome Zourabichvili noted that if there is a conclusion about the significant worsening of Mikheil Saakashvili’s condition, taking him abroad for treatment is “the right way, there is no other way“. Unfortunately, the government responded to this statement with answers of political nature, which is against the obligations assumed by the state in terms of human rights protection.

Therefore, we call on the authorities and all decision-makers, when discussing the need for Mikheil Saakashvili’s further treatment, including the need of transferring him abroad, to be guided by the information and recommendations indicated in the experts’ conclusions, and not by taking into account the political situation, in order to completely exclude the risks of a further worsening of health and loss of life.

The signatory organizations:

1. Open Society Georgia Foundation;
2. Georgian Democracy Initiative;
3. The Georgian Center for Psychosocial and Medical Rehabilitation;
4. Prevention for Progress;
5. Human Rights Center;
6. Georgian Court Watch;
7. Democracy Research Institute;
8. Social Justice Center;
9. Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association;
10. International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy;
11. Media Development Foundation;
12. Green alternative;
13. Economic Policy Research Center

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