"The regime is very afraid of Mikheil Saakashvili as the main opposition figure – they are doing everything to ensure that he remains in prison," said Petre Tsiskarishvili, General Secretary of the United National Movement, regarding the verdict in the case of embezzlement of budgetary funds.

According to him, similar expenses are still being made today, but no one is being punished for them.

"This is neither a fair nor an independent court. The judge is simply carrying out the orders given by the regime. The regime is very afraid of Mikheil Saakashvili as the main opposition figure. They are doing everything to ensure that he remains in prison, does not come out, does not gain freedom, does not meet with people, and does not participate in the campaign. The judge acted as a PR propagandist for Georgian Dream, justifying to the public and media why he is handing down such a long sentence to a man who literally pulled the country out of darkness, corruption, and crime, and increased the budget twelvefold.

And yet, he is not even accused of taking money for himself, embezzling it, or stealing it—rather, they claim he misused funds for various expenses at different times, both in Georgia and abroad, including buying a 'Red Bull' for Hillary Clinton. These expenses are included in this shameful case. Meanwhile, similar budgetary expenditures continue today on various important state matters, but, of course, the regime keeps it secret, and none of its representatives are held accountable," said Petre Tsiskarishvili.

For reference, the Tbilisi City Court sentenced Georgia’s third president, Mikheil Saakashvili, to 9 years in prison for the embezzlement of budgetary funds. Former head of the Special State Protection Service (SSPS), Teimuraz Janashia, was fined 300,000 GEL.