From President to Prison: Ex-Georgian Leader to Remain Behind Bars Until 2034

Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili has been handed an additional 4 years and 6 months behind bars for illegally entering the country, a Tbilisi court ruled.

This new ruling, combined with a recent embezzlement conviction, brings his total prison term to 12 years and 6 months, keeping him in custody until at least April 2034.

Saakashvili, who secretly returned to Georgia in 2021 by hiding in a dairy truck, was previously convicted in absentia for abuse of power and assault-related charges.

Currently receiving treatment at Viva Medi hospital, he was absent from the latest trial, with his request to make a final statement denied. Another case related to a 2007 protest crackdown remains pending.