Imprisoned Former Georgian President Saakashvili Seeks Temporary Release to Attend Patriarch's Funeral

Mikheil Saakashvili's Appeal

According to Главком: Mikheil Saakashvili, the imprisoned former president of Georgia, has formally requested a temporary release from custody to attend the funeral of Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia. The Patriarch, a towering figure in the nation's modern history, passed away on March 17, with his funeral scheduled for Sunday, March 22. Saakashvili is currently serving a 12-year and 6-month sentence for two counts of abuse of power, following his return to Georgia in the autumn of 2021.

His lawyer has submitted the request for temporary release, but as of this publication, no official response has been received from Georgia's Ministry of Justice or its penitentiary service. The nation has declared a period of national mourning following the Patriarch's death.

Saakashvili's Condition and Citizenship

Saakashvili is currently held in Correctional Facility No. 12, where he was returned last November. The penitentiary service has stated his condition is satisfactory and does not require inpatient medical treatment. Saakashvili also holds Ukrainian citizenship and has appealed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to be granted the status of a civilian prisoner. However, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has ruled out the possibility of extraditing him to Ukraine.

Therefore, the question of Mikheil Saakashvili's temporary release remains unresolved against the backdrop of significant national events tied to the death of Patriarch Ilia II. This situation highlights the complex intersection of politics, justice, and national sentiment in Georgia.

The passing of Patriarch Ilia II is a momentous event for Georgia, as he played a pivotal role in the country's social and political life for many years.

Amid the national mourning, Saakashvili's request is likely to be viewed through the lens of his contentious political history and his status as a convict. The issue could also become another point of discussion in Georgian-Ukrainian political relations, given his Ukrainian citizenship and appeals to Kyiv. The timing underscores the intricate dynamics between Georgia's political and religious institutions during a period of profound social significance.