Georgia’s former president, Mikheil Saakashvili, says he was transferred to a penitentiary facility without any warning. In a letter shared by his lawyer, Saakashvili described the move as an attempt to “intimidate his numerous supporters” and send a message to the West and Ukraine, where he continues to serve as chairman of President Zelenskyy’s Reform Council.

“Ivanishvili starts every morning thinking, ‘Who shall I harm today?’ Yesterday, it was my turn. I was transferred to Rustavi prison, where I faced the same people who poisoned me in March 2022. I survived, but I still bear the effects of that poisoning. My gratitude goes to the doctors at Vivamedi who saved my life. I am not asking for special sympathy, despite the misery around me," - Saakashvili wrote. 

He added that the timing of his transfer was deliberate:

“Firstly, it is meant to intimidate my supporters. Secondly, it sends a clear message to the West and Ukraine. Ivanishvili once promised to preserve my life; now this move signals that promise, like all others, is no longer valid. I am convinced this has been coordinated with Moscow.”

Saakashvili called himself a symbol of Georgia’s successful post-Soviet reforms and the country’s independence. He warned:

“They are destroying Georgia’s freedom, and they aim to destroy me as well. But under no circumstances should anyone give up. We must keep fighting, because our victory is inevitable. Glory to freedom.”

Saakashvili was moved from the Vivamedi Clinic to Penitentiary Facility N12 on November 12.