According to Shalva Papuashvili, Mikheil Kavelashvili’s offer to politicians who are serving sentences in correctional facilities does not apply to Mikheil Saakashvili because he is a citizen of Ukraine

Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili stated that Mikheil Kavelashvili’s offer to politicians serving sentences in correctional facilities does not apply to Georgia’s third president, Mikheil Saakashvili, because he is a citizen of Ukraine.

He told journalists:

“No, this offer does not apply to Ukrainian citizens, of course! Ukraine already bears the blame, as its political elite today act as adversaries to the Georgian people. The political elite of Ukraine should carry this burden as well. It is unacceptable for their citizen to participate in our elections. As for his party, it is up to the party itself to decide whether to participate in the elections or not. Everything lies ahead, and this is in no way related to the pardon of Mikheil Saakashvili. The president’s proposal has a specific basis—why was this offer made? Because, as you can see, there is an attempt, including through foreign funding, to sabotage the elections.

We see that Lelo has declared its intention to participate in the elections. So that there would be no excuse later that leaders serving lawful sentences could not conduct a full-fledged election campaign, this offer was made to give them the opportunity to participate in the elections.

The president is ready to pardon them so that they can fully engage in the election campaign. Mikheil Saakashvili is a citizen of Ukraine; he should not only be excluded from participation but should not even have the possibility to discuss our elections because that would constitute interference. [Kavelashvili’s] statement clearly refers to the few politicians who violated the Constitution and laws of Georgia, knowing the punishment they faced and, by the way, received lighter sentences—this offer is made to them,” Papuashvili said.

For reference, Mikheil Kawelashvili offers convicted politicians to submit applications for pardon and confirm their willingness to participate in the elections, upon which he will immediately issue acts regarding their pardon. In a statement posted on social media, Kavelashvili emphasized the importance of full participation by all political parties in the October 4 local government elections and that all parties should be able to conduct a full election campaign.