Georgia: Saakashvili faces fresh criminal charges
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 13 August 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Georgia: Saakashvili faces fresh criminal charges, 13 August 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/54003ee315.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
August 13, 2014
Georgia's former President Mikheil Saakashvili is facing fresh criminal charges.
The chief prosecutor's office said on August 13 that Saakashvili has been charged with embezzlement of around $5 million between September 2009 and February 2013.
Saakashvili is accused of spending state funds allocated to the agency in charge of providing security to high-ranking officials on hotels, yachting, and other expensive services for his and his allies' friends and families.
If convicted, he could face up to 11 years in prison.
Saakashvili, who led Georgia between 2004 and 2013, has already been charged with abuse of office. He denies any wrongdoing.
He left Georgia late last year after his second term expired.
The U.S. State Department and four U.S. senators have voiced concern over the charges.
Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has promised "objective and transparent" legal proceedings.
Based on reporting by civil.ge, apsny.ge, and ITAR-TASS
Link to original story on RFE/RL website