Georgian authorities are ready to prove to Western partners that the way to ensure stability in the country is through steadfast defense of the state
As reported earlier by News Front, Nika Melia, an associate of Mikheil Saakashvili and the head of the pro-American United National Movement party was detained in Tbilisi today. According to the Ministry of Interior, the law enforcers did not overstep the bounds of the law.
Melia is implicated in a case of organising riots in the summer of 2019. When the opposition activist refused to pay bail, the prosecutor’s office demanded pre-trial detention for Melia.
The US embassy responded with harsh criticism. Diplomats said Washington was shocked by the Georgian government’s actions.
“Today Georgia has taken a step backwards towards a stronger democracy within the family of Euro-Atlantic states”, – the statement said.
In response, the head of the ruling Georgian Dream party, Irakli Kobakhidze, recalled that the republic’s authorities had shown leniency towards opposition forces for years to please the West. This has only resulted in a flourishing of criminality in politics, increased polarisation and radicalisation of political processes.
“We understand the fear of our international partners”, – Kobakhidze said. – “But they will soon be able to see that the way to reduce polarisation is precisely through steadfast defence of the state, ensuring the rule of law and the principles of the rule of law.”