Nika Meliya. Screenshot of the video https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU3lgPf2M9m6RMLsbP-phMg/channels?disable_polymer=1

24 February 2021, 08:47

Georgian activists condemn Nika Meliya's arrest

Oppositionists have scheduled a new action in support of Nika Meliya, the detained chairman of the "United National Movement" (UNM) Party. By arresting Meliya, authorities violated the principles of democracy; therefore, activists have stated that they will seek his release.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on Tuesday (February 23), the police conducted a special operation in Tbilisi, during which they detained Nika Meliya. Also, 21 people were detained, while the police used tough methods – 17 persons needed doctors' care.

The UNM's press service has noted that the opposition's demands "remain unchanged – the release of Giorgi Meliya and other political prisoners, resignation of Prime Minister Garibashvili and the holding of early elections."

Party activists believe that "the massive nature of the march should force the government to make concessions."

Today, about 5000 people took part in the rally in front of the parliament building, the party's press service has reported.

"The arrest of Meliya is the isolation of the leader of the largest political party with a cynical motive – to pacify the society's protest," said Gigi Bokeriya, an activist.

"If a rally is massive, authorities will have to reckon with the people," said Kakha Kvaratskheliya, a rally participant.

International organizations are unlikely to be able to influence the decision to arrest Meliya, said Zara Mariamidze, a Tbilisi resident.

Activists have agreed with the evaluation of Georgian government's actions by the USA. "The detention of the oppositional leader is a trample on democracy," Ms Mariamidze has added.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on February 23, 2021 at 11:47 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.

Author: Beslan Kmuzov Source: CK correspondent

All news
НАСТОЯЩИЙ МАТЕРИАЛ (ИНФОРМАЦИЯ) ПРОИЗВЕДЕН И РАСПРОСТРАНЕН ИНОСТРАННЫМ АГЕНТОМ ООО “МЕМО”, ЛИБО КАСАЕТСЯ ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТИ ИНОСТРАННОГО АГЕНТА ООО “МЕМО”.

November 12, 2024 23:37

November 12, 2024 22:47

November 12, 2024 21:29

  • Petition on Musaeva's CER returned for reconsideration

    The Supreme Court (SC) of Chechnya has returned the petition that asked for conditional early relief (CER or parole) of Zarema Musaeva to the Shali City Court for reconsideration. Her son treats her condition as depressed due to the new case against her on disrupting the colony's work.

November 12, 2024 18:27

November 11, 2024 23:22

  • Zarema Musaeva involved in new criminal case as suspect

    An investigation has been launched against convicted Zarema Musaeva under the article on disorganization of the activities of a penal colony. The woman faces up to five years of imprisonment. The above information has been reported by advocate Alexander Savin.

News archive