Tufts should make statement regarding Saakashvili

The Fletcher School’s Senior Statesman Mikhail Saakashvili has been ordered to present himself at the Prosecutor’s Office in Tbilisi on Thursday by Georgian prosecutors. If he fails to do so, he will become an internationally wanted person. The former Georgian present is under scrutiny for connection with ten distinct cases. Among them is a possible investigation into the 2005 death of Zurab Zhvania, a former prime minister and close ally. Other issues include a police raid on an independent broadcaster, illegal asset seizures and fund embezzlements by the state security service. Saakashvili’s second term as president concluded in November, and since then he has taken a position lecturing at the Fletcher School. Saakashvili has maintained that he will not respond to the summons.

While Saakashvili’s presence at Tufts is an understandable one as a leading international politician, his post has come under scrutiny by Tufts students following the Georgian government’s allegations. While it is an honor to have such a well-known and influential diplomat, Tufts, as his current employer, must take a stance on the charges. Saakashvili’s decisions impact Tufts, so it is critical that the university, as a leading international institution, ensures its reputation and make a statement about his affiliation.

While neither the Fletcher School nor the university currently has taken an official stance, the U.S. Department of State has issued a statement. In it, the U.S. suggests that the multiple allegations against the former president are suspicious, and that they may be a product of political retribution rather than justice. The statement urges Georgia to focus on “the future, a strong economy, continued reform of the justice sector, and rapid progress on Euro-Atlantic integration.” Many of these goals are ones Saakashvili worked for as president of Georgia, and are still ones the Georgian government is striving to achieve.

As leaders in global diplomacy and international relations, the Fletcher School and the university should make some sort of statement in regard to the ten cases that have been brought forward. Whether supporting Saakashvili, or holding him accountable, making a statement, as the Department of State has, is necessary and beneficial, both for the community and so that Saakashvili understands his standing as a lecturer. The summons was issued on Saturday, and Saakashvili responded on Sunday. Tufts should not delay any longer, and should issue a statement on this controversy which bears plenty of direct relevance to the university’s position as a important international institution.