EU Representative Visits Georgia's Jailed Former Prime Minister

Former Prime Minister Vano Merabishvili attends a preliminary hearing of his case at the court in Kutaisi on May 22.

A member of a European Parliament delegation, Krzysztof Lisek, has visited Georgia’s jailed former Prime Minister Vano Merabishvili.

After the meeting in a detention center on June 4, Lisek told journalists that Merabishvili has no television in his cell, which cuts him off from the latest information about the situation in Georgia.

Lisek added that he was surprised to learn Merabishvili is not allowed to see his family members on a regular basis.

The Polish member of the European Parliament said he plans to raise the issues with Georgian Justice Minister Tea Tsulukani.

Merabishvili, who is secretary-general of President Mihkeil Saakashvili's United National Movement (ENM) party, was arrested last month and charged with abuse of power, embezzlement, and bribing of voters.

Merabishvili insists the charges are politically motivated.

Based on reporting by apsny.ge and Interfax