Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili announced during a court hearing in Tbilisi on July 29 that an artificial intelligence avatar is being created to represent him publicly and bypass restrictions associated with his imprisonment.
Saakashvili, who remains in detention in Georgia, stated that the digital persona is designed to replicate his visual appearance, speaking voice, and speech gestures.
Digital Avatar Preparation
During his court appearance, Saakashvili told the session that his AI avatar was nearing completion and would soon be launched for public communications. He described the project as a method to maintain a public presence despite physical confinement.
According to Saakashvili, the digital replica is intended to deliver messages, engage with supporters, and participate in public discourse on his behalf.
Political Context and Reaction
The former president compared his situation to historical figures who faced prolonged imprisonment, expressing confidence that his political movement would continue to mobilize supporters in Georgia.
Saakashvili served as President of Georgia from 2004 to 2013 following the 2003 Rose Revolution. He returned to Georgia in October 2021 after several years abroad and was arrested to serve sentences handed down in prior legal proceedings. Georgian authorities maintain that all legal decisions regarding his detention follow established judicial procedures.
