On March 12, 2025, former President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili was sentenced to nine years in prison following the conviction for misappropriating 9 million lari (around $3.2 million) from the state budget, as determined by the Tbilisi City Court. This verdict, which stems from what is known as the "pajamas case," has prompted significant political debate and public protests.
Saakashvili, who served as Georgia's president from 2004 until 2013, was found guilty of embezzling state funds for personal use during his time in office. According to Judge Badri Kochlamazashvili, the indictment accused Saakashvili of utilizing public funds illegally from 2009 to 2012 for various personal expenses, including luxury clothing, cosmetic procedures, and travel arrangements.
The court noted specific purchases such as seven jackets and cashmere coats amounting to 28,000 euros, as well as handmade suits costing $4,600. Prosecutors argued these expenditures were unauthorized and not serving any public interest. The judge stated, "The case presents hundreds of thousands of lari of expenses for cosmetic services rendered in leading clinics overseas: it is impossible to associate these expenses with the political disapproval of the occupied territories," reinforcing the assertion of mismanagement of public resources.
Alongside Saakashvili, Teimuraz Janashia, the former head of the State Security Service, was also found guilty and fined 300,000 lari (approximately $108,000) for his involvement. Although the court found no direct evidence of Janashia squandering budgetary funds, it asserted he abused his official capacity contrary to public interests.
The verdict bars Saakashvili from holding public office for three years following his release. His defense team and representatives from the United National Movement, the political party he co-founded, have vehemently denied the charges. They vocally criticize the ruling as politically motivated, aiming to incapacitate one of the country's most significant opposition figures. Petre Tsiskarishvili, Secretary General of the National Movement, stated, "The regime is very afraid of Mikheil Saakashvili as the main opposition figure. It does everything to keep him in prison," illustrating deep concerns about the political motivations behind the accusations.
This conviction adds to Saakashvili's already contentious legal record. He previously received another sentence of six years for abuse of power, issued in absentia back when he was living abroad, highlighting the various legal troubles he faces since leaving office. Following his return to Georgia in October 2021, Saakashvili was immediately arrested, marking the beginning of his current legal battles.
The court ruling did not sit well with many of his supporters, who staged protests outside the courtroom as the verdict was announced. With chants aimed at the judge, who they allege is acting under the influence of the ruling Georgian Dream party and its oligarch leader Bidzina Ivanishvili, discontent has grown among segments of the Georgian population. Protesters claimed: "The judge is 'Bidzina's slave,'" indicating widespread belief in political manipulation.
According to the court's details, the nine-year prison term will reflect the time Saakashvili was already serving since his arrest, meaning he could remain behind bars until October 2030. Further complicated matters, additional legal challenges loom, including cases surrounding alleged border violations and the dismantling of opposition protests led by Saakashvili's administration years ago.
Saakashvili's previous convictions have not only ignited public outcry but have also drawn international attention. His supporters insist the allegations are fabricated to undermine his legacy as a reformer who championed Western orientation during his presidency.
Since his incarceration, reports indicated severe health concerns, and after undergoing extensive hunger strikes, he was transferred to the Vivamedi clinic for medical treatment. Observers indicate the conditions of his health and the severity of his sentences reflect broader issues of political persecution and justice erosion within Georgia, intensifying discussions on the balance between governance and accountability.
Mikheil Saakashvili has been at the forefront of Georgian politics since initiating significant reform efforts post-2003, yet his political career has spiraled downwards amid accusations and legal challenges over the years. Politics and personal disputes have since intertwined, leaving his supporters worried about the future of democratic governance in Georgia.
While Saakashvili maintains his innocence, claiming the claims against him are absurd and politically driven, the situation continues to evolve as Georgia grapples with its contentious political climate. The sentencing undoubtedly marks yet another chapter of struggle, not only for Saakashvili, but for Georgia, as the country navigates its path forward amid increasing tensions, criticisms of the ruling party, and questions of the rule of law.