Trial of former Georgian president opens as supporters clash with security forces

The trial of former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili in a Tbilisi court is accompanied by clashes between opposition activists and police outside the building, according to a DW correspondent reporting from the scene.

The trial is being held in the wake of Saakashvili’s alleged abuse of power when law enforcement officials were ordered to crack down on protests on November 7, 2007, as well as the attack on Imedi TV. Before the court hearing opened, some 2,000-3,000 people gathered in the streets adjacent to the court. A large number of police officers are concentrated in that area. The gathered people chant “Misha, Misha!” Law enforcement officers tried to open the road, they applied pepper spray against the protesters.

The former president of Georgia appeared in court for the first time after his arrest. Saakashvili was taken to court from Gori military hospital under strong control.

“I do not accept the accusation of the Prosecutor’s Office and Georgian justice. I am not here to be part of a comedy already written,” Saakashvili said in a speech to the panel of judges.

After the bailiffs brought the politician to the courtroom, the supporters of the former president played the Georgian national anthem. The judges reprimanded and demanded silence.

“Are you banning the Georgian anthem I created?” Saakashvili asked the judges.

Only Georgian First Channel journalists and cameramen are present at the trial.