Opposition Leader Melia: I Will Not Sit at Home Anymore
“From tomorrow, I will not restrict my movement even if they do not remove the electronic bracelet I was obliged to wear”, Nika Melia, leader of the opposition United National Movement (UNM) party, stated today before his pre-trial hearing held at Tbilisi City Court, adding that he "no longer intends to sit at home; on the contrary, he is going to continue fight against the disaster - Bidzina Ivanishvili”.
He also noted that he will attend any event if necessary, including meetings with voters, parliamentary sessions and committee hearings.
“From tomorrow, I will not restrict my movement even if they do not remove my electronic bracelet. I will carry out my political work, including as a Member of Parliament, just as I was doing before being restricted. Why? Because it is absolutely unconstitutional; because it is based on one man's orders and this man is Ivanishvili. I am going to fulfill my constitutional authority from tomorrow, I am obliged to do so,” he said, pointing out that Georgian Dream ruling party leader Bidzina Ivanishvili should be well aware that he is getting closer to the end, and he will determine himself how severe and painful the final will be.
Tbilisi City Court is holding a pre-trial hearing on the case of Nika Melia today. The admissibility of evidence will be discussed at the court trial.
The Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation against him under Article 225 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, on charges of organizing or managing group violence or participating in it during the June 20-21 rally in front of the Parliament of Georgia in Tbilisi.
In addition, the Prosecutor’s Office has been ordered to carry out electronic monitoring of Melia using an electronic bracelet.
The opposition MP was released on 30,000 GEL bail on June 27, while certain restrictions were imposed against him. Namely, he was prohibited from leaving home without previously informing law enforcers, making public statements in public areas and communicating with witnesses.
By Ana Dumbadze
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