British expert: Saakashvili has dementia, persons with dementia should not be in prison

Saakashvili has dementia, and I also know that according to the legislation of Georgia, the relevant acts of the Ministry of Health stipulate that persons with dementia should not be in prison, - British expert, psychiatrist Cornelius Katona, stated at the trial, where postponement of Mikheil Saakashvili’s sentence is being considered.

According to him, as a result of examinations, he found quite serious health disorders in the case of Saakashvili.

"As a result of examinations, I discovered quite serious disorders in attention, memory, language and visual-spatial perception. I identified several causes that might cause neurocognitive disorders. The first cause could be his starvation and rapid refeeding, partial asphyxia and epileptic seizures, unexplained fever, as well as his delayed treatment for Wernicke's encephalopathy and the multiple medications he was taking, as well as the heavy metals found in his hair", said the expert.

He also focused on improper treatment and at the same time noted that if the environment is not changed, Saakashvili will not be able to overcome the post-traumatic stress disorder syndrome.

To the questions asked by Saakashvili's lawyer, Shalva Khachapuridze – “Is he seriously and chronically ill, and will his further stay in prison have a negative impact on his health?” - the psychiatrist answered positively and noted that Saakashvili's health condition will be the main barrier for him to serve his sentence.