The government of Georgia is responsible for the physical and mental health of the former President Mikheil Saakashvili. Such a statement was released by the European People’s Party.

“We are extremely concerned about the reports of the dire and deteriorating health condition of former President Mikheil Saakashvili.

According to the latest report of the Public Defender’s independent expert group monitoring the health of the former President, Saakashvili suffers from a complex chain of complications - resistant post-traumatic stress disorder and anorexia - developed consequently to inadequate medical treatment following a prolonged hunger-strike. The expert group maintained that the government of Georgia failed to meet medical recommendations that has led to further deterioration of Saakashvili’s condition.

The government of Georgia is responsible for the physical and mental health of the 3rd President of Georgia. This is not a matter of political choice, but a fundamental human right.

We condemn any defamatory attacks of ruling political leaders against the opposition, Public Defender, independent doctors and civil society.

We urge the ruling Georgian Dream to acknowledge the seriousness and gravity of the situation and the possible irreversible consequences.

We call on those responsible to immediately transfer former President Saakashvili to an appropriate hospital in Georgia or abroad for humanitarian purposes where he can receive a qualified treatment and rehabilitation.

The ill-treatment, invalidation or death of an ex-President will be a litmus test for the Georgian government in respecting fundamental human rights as well seen in the light of important European aspirations”, - reads the statement.