02:40Georgia: Rally in support of Saakashvili held in Tbilisi
Supporters of former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili held a rally in Tbilisi on Wednesday demanding his release for treatment abroad.
The footage shows protesters holding placards and Georgian flags outside the government office in the centre of the capital, as well as police officers watching the gathering.
In addition to the capital, pro-Saakashvili rallies were held on the day in Kutaisi, Batumi, Zugdidi, Telavi, Gori, Rustavi and Ozurgeti.
Earlier, media outlets reported that the politician's mother, Giuli Alasania, had claimed that Saakashvili's body had excessive levels of heavy metals, including mercury.
The Special Penitentiary Service of Georgia said it had not received a report to that effect.
"Prisoner Saakashvili has been under constant medical supervision at the hospital for several months and is receiving necessary medical treatment. We urge everyone not to spread unverified, unconfirmed information," the department said.
Saakashvili was detained on October 1, 2021, on his return to Georgia. He had been convicted in abstentia of abuses of power, pertaining to an attack on an opposition MP and the murder of banker Sandro Girgvliani - and sentenced to six years in jail.
He strongly denied the claims, saying the process was politically motivated and went on hunger strike.
He was subsequently transferred to Vivamed clinic in Tbilisi for medical examination, where he has been held since May 2022.
02:40Supporters of former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili held a rally in Tbilisi on Wednesday demanding his release for treatment abroad.
The footage shows protesters holding placards and Georgian flags outside the government office in the centre of the capital, as well as police officers watching the gathering.
In addition to the capital, pro-Saakashvili rallies were held on the day in Kutaisi, Batumi, Zugdidi, Telavi, Gori, Rustavi and Ozurgeti.
Earlier, media outlets reported that the politician's mother, Giuli Alasania, had claimed that Saakashvili's body had excessive levels of heavy metals, including mercury.
The Special Penitentiary Service of Georgia said it had not received a report to that effect.
"Prisoner Saakashvili has been under constant medical supervision at the hospital for several months and is receiving necessary medical treatment. We urge everyone not to spread unverified, unconfirmed information," the department said.
Saakashvili was detained on October 1, 2021, on his return to Georgia. He had been convicted in abstentia of abuses of power, pertaining to an attack on an opposition MP and the murder of banker Sandro Girgvliani - and sentenced to six years in jail.
He strongly denied the claims, saying the process was politically motivated and went on hunger strike.
He was subsequently transferred to Vivamed clinic in Tbilisi for medical examination, where he has been held since May 2022.