Civil Georgia
December 9, 2022
U.S. Ambassador Talks Saakashvili, Georgians in Ukraine, Public Defender
While attending an event at the Kutaisi State University on 9 December, U.S. Ambassador Kelly Degnan spoke with journalists about the ailing health of imprisoned ex-President Mikheil Saakashvili, Georgians fighting in Ukraine, and the ongoing Public Defender selection process.
Asked about Saakashvili’s current health status, Amb. Degnan underscored that the U.S. “is following Mr. Saakashvili’s case very closely.”
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The Ambassador also emphasized that “ultimately” it is the Georgian government’s responsibility to “ensure that Mr. Saakashvili’s physical and mental health is protected, that his medical needs are met, and that his rights are protected, including a fair trial.” “So, we would be looking to see that that obligation, that responsibility under the constitution is protected,” she added.
Responding to a question regarding Georgian volunteers fighting in Ukraine, the Ambassador remarked, “I think it’s clear the side the people of Georgia have taken, and that is in solidarity with the Ukrainian people.”
Pointing out that Ukraine is fighting for its sovereignty, territorial integrity, as well as its identity and “existence as a country,” Amb. Degnan said, “these are all things that Georgians know deeply from your own experience with Russian aggression, from your own experience with Russia trying to take your identity away, taking your territory away, trying to take your sovereignty away.”
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Adding that Georgia continues to experience Russian occupation, and resulting “harassment and kidnappings,” the Ambassador remarked….
…Amb. Degnan stressed the importance of having an “inclusive” selection process for choosing the new Public Defender.
Anti-bellum 