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.