Parliament Speaker claims foreign political groups “interested” in having Georgian opposition figures “at large”

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Wednesday claimed unspecified foreign political groups wanted Nika Melia, the former Chair of the opposition United National Movement party, and Nika Gvaramia, the founder of the opposition-leaning Mtavari Arkhi channel, to “remain at large” following convictions due to their “radical actions”.

Papuashvili alleged the goal of President Salome Zourabichvili’s pardoning of Gvaramia in June was not ensuring depolarisation of the country’s political environment.

“Salome Zourabichvili pardoned Nika Gvaramia. You remember, even then there was pressure both from inside the country and from outside [for the outcome]. Then some MEPs admitted that they knew in advance that Nika Gvaramia would be pardoned. It was a surprise even for the citizens of Georgia”, the lawmaker said.

“We saw reactions to this pardon, [saying] that it was a step forward in depolarisation. Now it becomes clear why they asked for Nika Gvaramia’s pardon, why [domestic] judges were summoned by various embassies to put pressure concerning Nika Gvaramia's trial”, he also said.

Of course, everyone knew that they were not dealing with a journalist - they were dealing with an ideologue of the United National Movement who used media tools to spread the ideology of a violent party”, the Parliament official continued.

The chief Georgian legislator also alleged the actions were “aimed at keeping Gvaramia free” and “introduce his usual radical agenda” in Georgian politics.

Papuashvili further claimed Melia’s freedom was due to his bail having been paid by the European Endowment for Democracy, an organisation “operating in Georgia with EU money”, which he claimed “secretly finances various political activities in violation of the law”.

It was once again revealed why they wanted Nika Melia and Nika Gvaramia at large - these are two radicals who are known for radical actions, attacking and storming the Parliament building [during protests], as well as generally bringing in a radical agenda”, he said.

Papuashvili claimed “traces” of foreign political groups could be seen behind both of the cases, and added the two figures were “able to evade justice precisely because foreign political groups have intervened”.

He further added Gvaramia and Melia operated “in the interests of these political groups to set a radical agenda in Georgia”.