A trial of Mikheil Saakashvili on charges of embezzlement of state funds slated for today at the Tbilisi City Court has been postponed for February 21.

According to the judge Badri Kochlamazashvili, the former president was suggested participation remotely, but he refused.

“Mikheil Saakashvili said he could not attend the hearing via a video link due to deteriorated health”, - added the judge.

He clarified that mutual agreement is required between both parties regarding the summoned witness’s questioning. Therefore, the participation of the indicted in the trial was necessary to avoid any misunderstanding.

In the mentioned case – the so-called “jacket case” - together with Mikheil Saakashvili, Teimuraz Janashia [the former Head of the Special Service of State Protection], is accused.

The Prosecutor’s Office accuses the defendants of embezzling a large amount of budget money – GEL 9 million.