The Steering Committee of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum and the Georgian National Platform strongly condemn the arrest of UNM leader Nika Melia.

The Steering Committee of the Forum and the Georgian National Platform state that these actions only complicate the political divide in Georgia, and put significant pressure on democratic institutions and values.

“Melia’s arrest makes it practicaly impossible to continue the negotiation process between the parties and will ultimately lead to further escalation ” the statement said.

To overcome the political crisis, the Steering Committee of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum and the Georgian National Platform note that rapid decisions and compromises are needed.

They demand the release of Nika Melia and the continuation of the political dialogue through the mediation of the diplomatic corps. In addition, the statement says, that has to be considered the possibility of early elections. At the same time, an agenda of democratic reforms should be developed, in which civil society and coalitions will be involved.

See the text of the statement here.

The press conference was covered by media outlets and Internet portals.

detail on the following links:

https://rustavi2.ge/ka/news/192015?fbclid=IwAR0fNByldfS2rURb3Uk9XazGAIRD2ggRAjIAl8Qifo7IuCnblgxUhzhSVZs