Saakashvili accused of embezzling state funds

A new charge has been brought against Georgia's ex-President Mikheil Saakashvili. He is being accused of embezzlement of state funds.

Georgian prosecutor general's office said on Wednesday that Saakashvili was spending considerable money on personal needs and the needs of his family.

The prosecutor's office said the former president illegally spent a total of 8.8 million Georgian laris ($1 = 1.74 laris). This includes the rental of hotels, using services of masseuses, purchase of souvenirs, food, etc.

For example, a Spanish chef and a personal designer for the ex-president cost 300,000 laris, and the procedure for Saakashvili's weight loss - $113,000. The ex-president spent 500,000 laris on aircraft rental.

The charges were also brought against the former head of the presidential security service Teimuraz Janashia, who is accused of concealing the spending of Saakashvili.

The ex-president can face imprisonment for seven to nine years, if the court finds him guilty.

Saakashvili is abroad and does not intend to return to Georgia. He believes that all the charges brought against him are political persecution.


/Trend/