Ukraine Resumes Investigation against Saakashvil

The Security Service of Ukraine has resumed an investigation against the former President of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili, on allegations that he attempted to overthrow the government.

The information was released by Saakashvili’s lawyer, who said the resumption of the investigation is aimed at conducting procedural and investigative actions.

A few days ago, the ex-President showed an electronic ticket to a Ukrainian TV channel and claimed he planned to go back to Ukraine on April 1.

"I have an electronic ticket. I will fly from Warsaw to Kiev. I bought this ticket because I am convinced that Poroshenko will not be in the second round of elections and none of the border guards will fulfill his orders," Saakashvili said.

Ukraine's Interior Minister, Arsen Avakov, responded to Saakashvili, saying he will not be allowed to get on the plane.

“He will not be allowed to do it because he is prohibited from coming to Ukraine on a court order," Avakov said.

At present, Saakashvili is in The Netherlands, the homeland of his spouse Sandra Roelofs, after being deported from Ukraine to Poland in February last year.

Saakashvili was detained in Kiev while he was having lunch in a Georgian restaurant on February 12, 2018, and was sent to Poland for having violated Ukrainian law in September 2017 when he illegally crossed into Ukraine.

Saakashvili is also wanted in Georgia for embezzlement and abuse of power, which he describes as politically motivated charges. If he is extradited to his homeland, the third President of Georgia faces immediate arrest and imprisonment.

By Thea Morrison