The Special Investigation Service of Georgia publishes a statement regarding the former president Mikheil Saakashvili.

“We would like to respond to all the statements made publicly regarding the chemical-toxicological examination of Mikheil Saakashvili appointed by the Special Investigation Service at LEPL Levan Samkharauli National Forensic Bureau.

Herewith, we are clarifying that the Special Investigative Service has appointed a chemical-toxicological examination at LEPL Levan Samkharauli National Forensic Bureau regarding the possible presence of heavy metals and poisonous substances in Mikheil Saakashvili’s body. According to an official response from the Forensic Bureau, it is possible to conduct an examination of heavy metals on any biological (and non-biological) object in the mentioned institution.

As it is widely known, after the public information about the possible poisoning of Mikheil Saakashvili, the Special Investigation Service began to study the mentioned issue. On December 2, 2022, as part of the investigation, biological research samples were taken from Mr. Saakashvili, based on which, on the same day a decision was issued regarding the appointment of a chemical-toxicological examination.

In order to answer questions raised by the investigation, LEPL Levan Samkharauli National Forensic Bureau requested the submission of an additional research (blood) sample, which was refused by Mr. Saakashvili and his lawyers. At that time, the lawyers explained that the examination could only be conducted only on hair and nail samples.

The Investigation Service took into account this request, held appropriate consultations with the Forensic Bureau and expressed the readiness to take additionally requested hair and nail samples for examination. But Mr. Saakashvili and his lawyer refused to take any kind of samples.

The Investigation Service continues an open and transparent investigation and will do its best to provide comprehensive and justified answers to all questions. As it is known to the public, during the investigation process, Mikheil Saakashvili"s lawyers have all the conditions to learn all the conducted investigative and procedural actions and access the criminal case materials.

Due to the high public interest, the Special Investigation Service decided to make public the position received from LEPL Levan Samkharauli National Forensic Bureau”, - reads the statement.