WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) today released the following statement regarding the decision of Georgia’s Chief Prosecutor to press charges against former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili:

 
“We are deeply disappointed by the decision of Georgia’s Chief Prosecutor to press charges against former President Mikheil Saakashvili, who cooperated in Georgia’s first peaceful transition of power in post-Soviet history.  While we appreciate the goal of preventing a culture of impunity for government officials, the prosecution of Georgia’s former President – in addition to the former Prime Minister, Interior Minister, Defense Minister, and Chief Prosecutor – contributes to the perception that the ruling coalition is systematically pursuing charges against their political opponents. As advocates for Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration, we urge Georgia’s leaders to spend their finite time and resources on the important work of strengthening institutions, growing the economy, and reforming the justice sector. At a time when Georgia has important challenges ahead, the country should be united in focusing on the future instead of litigating the past.”