Georgia’s Special Penitentiary Service has stated that a request by former President Mikheil Saakashvili to attend the funeral of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II does not comply with the norms envisaged by the law.
The agency confirmed the information to Tabula, noting that Saakashvili’s legal representative had formally addressed the institution on his behalf.
“An application was submitted by the lawyer on behalf of the third President of Georgia; however, this request does not comply with the norms envisaged by the Code,” the Penitentiary Service said.
Saakashvili, who is currently in detention, earlier wrote on social media that he had asked to be allowed to attend the Patriarch’s funeral.
“I asked my lawyer to file a request and I demand to be taken to the Patriarch’s funeral as his friend and as the third President of Georgia,” Saakashvili wrote.
Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II passed away on March 17 at the age of 93 at the Caucasus Medical Centre. Earlier that morning, the Patriarchate reported that he had been hospitalized due to internal bleeding. Despite medical efforts, his life could not be saved.
Ilia II will be laid to rest at Sioni Cathedral on Sunday, March 22.
