Wed Mar 12 10:50:55 UTC 2025: ## Saakashvili Receives Nine-Year Prison Sentence in Georgia, Sparking Opposition Outcry

**Tbilisi, Georgia** – Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili was handed a nine-year prison sentence on Wednesday, adding three years to his existing six-year term for abuse of power. A Tbilisi court found him guilty of embezzling $3.2 million in state funds between 2009 and 2012, allegedly using the money for luxury hotels, cosmetic clinics, and expensive clothing. Former Special State Protection Service head Teimuraz Janashia, also accused in the case, received a fine.

The verdict sparked immediate outrage from opposition forces, who accuse the ruling Georgian Dream party of politically motivated persecution. They claim the sentence demonstrates the government’s fear of Saakashvili, a pro-Western reformer and prominent opposition figure. Petre Tsiskarishvili, secretary-general of the United National Movement (UNM), Saakashvili’s former party, stated that the regime is “very afraid” of him and is working to keep him imprisoned.

Saakashvili himself, taking to social media, denounced the ruling as politically motivated, blaming Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili. He highlighted his economic achievements during his presidency (2004-2012), citing significant growth in the Georgian economy, budget, and pensions.

Saakashvili’s supporters staged protests in the courtroom following the announcement, calling the judge a “slave” of the government. The former president, a deeply polarizing figure, returned to Georgia in 2021 after a period in exile in Ukraine, where he briefly served as governor of Odessa. His return led to his immediate arrest on previous charges.

The ruling comes amidst ongoing political turmoil in Georgia. The Georgian Dream party’s grip on power has been criticized for its suppression of protests and opposition, leading to accusations of democratic backsliding and alleged Russian influence. The European Parliament rejected the results of Georgia’s October 2024 elections, citing concerns about democratic irregularities. Saakashvili called on the international community to condemn the “injustices” in Georgia, including political imprisonment and crackdowns on protests and media. The situation continues to raise serious concerns about human rights and the rule of law in the country.

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