NGOs call on the authorities to be guided by the recommendations of experts and not by the political situation when discussing the issue of Saakashvili's treatment and transfer abroad

A part of non-governmental organizations call on the government to be guided by the information and recommendations indicated in the experts' conclusions, and not by the political situation, when discussing the further treatment of the third President of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili.

The Open Society Foundation publishes a joint statement of the NGOs.

"We, the signatory organizations, respond to the significant deterioration of the health of the third President of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili, and we believe that the issue of his further treatment should be decided not by political expediency, but only by taking into account the standards of human life and health protection.

According to information spread in recent days, Mikheil Saakashvili's medical condition is deteriorated even further and requires immediate response. Visitors confirm the worsening condition of the former President. Saakashvili's health condition is highlighted by international partners and the President of Georgia.

President Salome Zurabishvili noted that if there is a conclusion about the serious deterioration of Mikheil Saakashvili's condition, taking him abroad for treatment is "the right way, there is no other way". Unfortunately, the mentioned statement was followed by answers of political content from the part of the government, which contradicts the obligations assumed by the state in terms of human rights protection.

Therefore, we call on the authorities and all decision-makers, when discussing the need for Mikheil Saakashvili's further treatment, including the need to transfer him abroad, to be guided by the information and recommendations indicated in the experts' conclusions, and not by political situation, in order to completely rule out the risks of further worsening of health and endangerment of life," reads the statement.

The signatory organizations are: Open Society Georgia Foundation; Democratic Initiative of Georgia; Psychosocial and Medical Rehabilitation Center; Prevention for Progress; Human Rights Center; Georgian Court Watch; Democracy Research Institute; Center for Social Justice; GYLA; ISFED; Media Development Fund; Green Alternative; Economic Policy Research Center.

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