Georgia's Ex-President Saakashvili Sentenced to 9 Years for Embezzlement

The former leader, known for his pro-Western reforms, denies the charges, calling them politically motivated as concerns over his health grow.

Mikheil Saakashvili, Georgia's former president, was sentenced to nine years in prison for embezzling public funds during his presidency from 2004 to 2013.
The ruling adds three years to his existing six-year sentence for prior convictions, including abuse of power and pardoning officials involved in a murder case.
Saakashvili, who returned from self-imposed exile in 2021, claims the charges are fabricated and politically motivated by Georgia's ruling Georgian Dream party.
The European Court of Human Rights previously ruled that Georgian authorities acted lawfully in prosecuting Saakashvili, dismissing claims of political bias.
Saakashvili's health has deteriorated significantly during his imprisonment, with reports of chronic illnesses and allegations of mistreatment in custody.