On March 9, 2022, Public Defender’s representatives visited Penitentiary Establishment No. 12, where they met with prisoner Mikheil Saakashvili and talked to the medical staff. The visit made it clear that it is necessary to immediately provide relevant examinations and further medical services to Mikheil Saakashvili in a relevant profile clinic.

According to the information received from the doctor of the penitentiary institution, Mikheil Saakashvili’s health condition has deteriorated as a result of the hunger strike, and some of the indicators and complaints need to be paid particular attention. This requires urgent examinations, which are not possible to be provided in prison.

On March 7, on the initiative of the Penitentiary Service, doctors of a civil clinic visited Penitentiary Establishment No. 12 and checked Mikheil Saakashvili’s health condition. As a result, they concluded that Mikheil Saakashvili urgently needs additional examinations in a civil clinic, which, in accordance with legislation, should be done in 2-5 days.

It should be noted that magnetic resonance imaging (MRT) of the brain has not been performed yet. The relevant recommendation was issued by the Public Defender’s group of experts on January 19. The need for MRT was shared by the Penitentiary Service as well and they even planned to provide it, however, no such examination has been provided for Mikheil Saakashvili so far.

Given that the prisoner has not received the recommended and planned medical care for the last two months, the Public Defender’s Office considers that the urgent medical examinations recommended on March 7 may not be provided either and/or may be delayed unreasonably, in violation of law.

According to the standard set by the European Court of Human Rights, the lack of timely, full and adequate treatment, accurate diagnosis and proper medical care may equate to a violation of Article 3 of the Convention on Human Rights, which pertains to torture, inhuman and/or degrading treatment.

The Public Defender calls on the Special Penitentiary Service to immediately provide Mikheil Saakashvili with necessary medical examinations and full medical services recommended by doctors of the penitentiary system/doctors of a civil clinic.