Imprisoned former Georgian president reportedly faints

By Davit Kachkachishvili

TBILISI, Georgia (AA) - Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, who has been in hunger strike since his arrest in Oct.1, reportedly fainted during a meeting with his lawyers, according to his attorney.

Saakashvili's lawyer Nika Gvaramia, who confirmed incident to local media, said Saakashvili was assisted by doctors and is now fine.

The Georgia's penitentiary service, which runs the country's prisons, said Saakashvili's condition had stabilized.

Intensive care physician Guliko Kiliptari, who examined the former president, affirmed that Saakashvili's condition is stable.

She added that laboratory tests had been sent to determine possible causes of Saakashvili's fainting.

Saakashvili was arrested in Tbilisi on Oct. 1 after secretly returning to Georgia from eight years in exile.

The former president, who was serving his sentence in the southeastern province of Rustavi was transferred to Gldani prison hospital in the capital Tbilisi on Nov. 8 to prevent deterioration in his health due to increased risks, the penitentiary service reported.

* Writing and contributions by Ahmet Gencturk