The Special Investigation Service claims that they took into account the request of Mikheil Saakashvili's lawyers to conduct a toxicological examination of hair and nail, but in the end, they refused to take the samples
The Special Investigation Service took into account the request of Mikheil Saakashvili's lawyers to conduct a toxicological examination of his hair and nails, but in the end, they still refused to take samples, Vasil Kakashvili, the Chief Investigator of Particularly Important Cases of the Special Investigation Service, told IPN.
According to Kakashvili, the defence side refused the examination due to a lack of confidence in the Bureau.
"The goal of the investigative body is to conduct an objective investigation of the case and provide comprehensive answers to all the questions regarding his health. Accordingly, we are doing our best to achieve this goal.
Firstly, when we talk about the objective investigation, it should be mentioned that the investigative body has shown an unprecedented example of transparent investigation in that case. We gave access to the case materials, not only to Mikheil Saakashvili's lawyers but to international and local experts invited by them. They have the full opportunity to introduce already conducted investigative actions at any time. We gave access not only to the case materials, but although appointed examinations on issues of their interest initiated by them and we continue the investigation in that mode.
Regarding the requested toxicological examination, we would like to explain once again that the Special Investigative Service has appointed a chemical-toxicological examination at LEPL Levan Samkharauli National Forensic Bureau, which should answer the question of whether there are heavy metals and substances in Mr. Saakashvili's body, which are dangerous to life and health. In order to carry out this examination, it is necessary to take appropriate biological samples. We offered Mr. Saakashvili to take a blood sample, but he refused because they wanted to conduct an examination of his hair and nails. We fulfilled this request and offered to conduct a toxicological examination on blood, as well as hair and nail biological samples, but the lawyer changed his position again and refused due to a lack of confidence in the National Forensic Bureau.
It should also be emphasized that a few months ago, at the request of Mr. Saakashvili's lawyers, we appointed a commission forensic-medical examination on the same case and applied to LEPL Levan Samkharauli National Forensic Bureau. However, for that moment no complaints or mistrust were expressed by the lawyers.
The investigation body is open and transparent in this process and we will do our best to provide comprehensive answers to all questions," stated Vasil Kakashvili.
