09 December 2017, 12:00
Mikhail Saakashvili goes on hunger strike in Kiev
Mikhail Saakashvili, the former President of Georgia and the leader of the Ukrainian "Movement of New Forces" Party, went on hunger strike in the SIZO (pre-trial prison). This was reported by his advocate Ruslan Chernolutsky. The opposition politician called on his supporters to continue the action for impeachment to the President of Ukraine.
On December 5, law enforcers who searched a Mikhail Saakashvili's apartment in Kiev detained him, despite the protests of his supporters. However, the supporters of the former Georgian President appeared to be able to take him away from the law enforcers. Mikhail Saakashvili called on people for a protest against Ukrainian President Poroshenko.
The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on December 6, UNM activists marched across Tbilisi, protesting against the actions of the Ukrainian authorities and law enforcers against former Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili.
In the evening on December 8, in Kiev, Mikhail Saakashvili was detained and placed to a temporary detention facility located in the territory of the Security Service of Ukraine (known as SBU). After the detention of the politician, his supporters began to arrange a spontaneous rally near the SBU building. Last night, more than 100 people gathered near the temporary detention facility, and they were burning bonfires.
"He has said he announces the beginning of his indefinite hunger strike," Ruslan Chernolutsky, an advocate of Mikhail Saakashvili, quoted his client when addressing the oppositionist's supporters who gathered near the walls of the temporary detention centre building in Kiev. If the court pronounces a decision to arrest the former Georgian President for two months, his hunger strike will be continued, Ruslan Chernolutsky stated with reference to Mikhail Saakashvili as quoted by the Ukrainian "NewsOne" TV Channel.
According to Ruslan Chernolutsky, after his detention, Mikhail Saakashvili has handed over a letter in which he addresses citizens of Ukraine, calls accusations against him "false" and urges people to protest against corruption. "Do not be afraid of anything and bravely come to the peaceful Sunday action 'For Impeachment!'," states the letter posted today by Ruslan Chernolutsky on his Facebook page.
Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.
