Former Georgian president sentenced to nine years in prison
Former Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili has been sentenced to nine years for embezzlement, according to local media.
Georgian authorities detained Saakashvili in October 2021 when he secretly returned to the country during an election and accused the former head of state of abusing power, embezzling funds, and committing other offenses during his tenure. While incarcerated, the former president has repeatedly complained about his poor health.
The Georgian TV channel Mtavari Arxi said on Wednesday that Saakashvili has been found guilty of embezzling $3.2 million in state funds in the so-called 'suits and bouquets' case.
Teimuraz Janashia, the ex-president's former head of security, also received a guilty verdict, but was let off with a fine of 3,000 lari (around $1,000), according to the broadcaster.
Saakashvili was first charged with embezzlement in 2014. Prosecutors said that during his presidency, he used state money to buy suits, coats, watches and other items for himself as well as pay for his son's education, undergo cosmetic procedures and rent expensive cars and a plane.
In August 2008, Saakashvili ordered Georgian troops to invade the breakaway republic of South Ossetia, which provoked a short military conflict with Russia after its peacekeepers stationed in the area were targeted. His presidency is also remembered for a violent crackdown on anti-government protesters.
Saakashvili fled the country after his term in office ended. In 2015, he obtained a Ukrainian passport and was appointed the governor of Odessa Region by then-President Pyotr Poroshenko. However, he only held the position for a year and resigned amid a scandal, accusing the Kiev authorities of being corrupt.
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