Vladimir Putin’s most outspoken nemesis is being poisoned in jail, his family claim

VLADIMIR Putin’s most outspoken nemesis is being poisoned in jail, his family claim. Mikheil Saakashvili, the former president of Georgia, appeared gaunt and frail as he was shown in court via video link in the former Soviet Republic. ReutersMikheil Saakashvili, the former president of Georgia, appeared gaunt and frail as he was shown in court via video link in the former Soviet Republic[/caption] A healthy looking Saakashvili with wife Sandra pictured in 2018Avalon.red Alexander Litvinenko was given poison in a London bar – an inquiry ruled the Russian defector’s murder in 2006 was ‘probably’ approved by PutinGetty His lawyers say mercury and arsenic have been found in his system while he has been held on political charges. Mr Saakashvili’s mother, Giuli Alasania, said her son is “on the verge of death”. She added: “He was the first to get suspicious. He said, ‘If I am not being poisoned, why is my health deteriorating like this?’. I ask the authorities to step in and save my son.” Mr Saakashvili, 55, is one of the Kremlin’s most hated opponents with tyrant Putin previously threatening to “hang him by his balls”. His lawyer said samples were taken from him during a recent prison visit. Scientists found high levels of mercury and arsenic.  The politician’s son Edward said: “It’s been painful watching him decline quickly. It’s undeniable.”  Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky this week appealed to Georgia to release Mr Saakashvili so he can be treated by specialists at a clinic in the West. In 2016, an inquiry ruled the murder of Russian defector Alexander Litvinenko in 2006 was “probably” approved by Putin. He was poisoned by radiation at a London bar. Litvinenko’s pal Yuri Felshtinsky said: “What is happening to Saakashvili reminds me of Litvinenko lying on his deathbed. It’s a horrible image — he looks very unwell