In the resolution approved on Wednesday, MEPs expressed serious concern over the deterioration of the health of the former president of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili, and called for him to be pardoned and sent for treatment abroad.

 This was reported by the press service of the European Parliament.

 In light of reports of Saakashvili's dramatic weight loss and speculation that he may have suffered from heavy metal poisoning while in prison, MEPs called on the Georgian authorities to release Saakashvili and allow him to receive proper medical treatment abroad.

 They called on President Salome Zurabishvili to use her constitutional right and pardon him.

 The MEPs reminded the Georgian authorities that they are responsible for ensuring the health and well-being of Saakashvili, providing him with proper medical treatment, and respecting his fundamental rights.

 In addition, the resolution emphasizes the fundamental role of oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili in the ongoing detention of Saakashvili "as part of a personal vendetta." Therefore, the parliament repeatedly called on the Council of the EU and democratic partners to consider the possibility of introducing sanctions against Ivanishvili for his role in "deteriorating the political process in Georgia." In December, the European Parliament already made a similar appeal.

 In addition, the MEPs emphasized that Georgia's progress in carrying out European reforms should again be put at the center of politics. They also believe that the country's treatment of Saakashvili is a litmus test of the Georgian government's commitment to European values ​​and declared European aspirations, including the status of a candidate for EU membership, which Georgia has not yet received.

 The text of the resolution was adopted by 577 votes "for", 33 "against", 26 "abstentions".

 We will remind, on February 6, the city court of Tbilisi did not satisfy the request of Saakashvili's lawyers for early release due to his health.

 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine said it was disappointed by the court's decision to reject the request of Saakashvili's defense for a postponement or exemption from punishment due to his serious health condition.