Saakashvili Faces Fresh Criminal Charges

Georgia's former President Mikheil Saakashvili is facing fresh criminal charges.

The chief prosecutor's office said on August 13 that Saakashvili has been charged with embezzlement of around $5 million between September 2009 and February 2013.

Saakashvili is accused of spending state funds allocated to the agency in charge of providing security to high-ranking officials on hotels, yachting, and other expensive services for his and his allies' friends and families.

If convicted, he could face up to 11 years in prison.

Saakashvili, who led Georgia between 2004 and 2013, has already been charged with abuse of office. He denies any wrongdoing.

He left Georgia late last year after his second term expired.

The U.S. State Department and four U.S. senators have voiced concern over the charges.

Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has promised "objective and transparent" legal proceedings.

Based on reporting by civil.ge, apsny.ge, and ITAR-TASS