The decision to arrest him was a mistake - just because you can arrest someone does not mean that you must do so - US diplomat and former NATO envoy Kurt Walker told InterPressNews.

He spoke about the recent developments in Georgia and noted that the arrest of the chairman of the National Movement, Nika Melia, has further aggravated the polarization.

"I think what we are seeing now in Georgia is that democratic institutions are not working well - the opposition is not in parliament, the government arrested the leader of the opposition. I think this threatens democracy and damages Georgia's image abroad. Therefore, in my opinion, both sides should work together - this is a critical period in Georgia, and both sides should think about the interests of the country first, rather than their own interests.

In my opinion, the decision to arrest Nika Melia was a mistake because it further aggravated the polarization. Just because you can arrest someone does not mean that you must do so. I think this has further deepened the already polarized environment. A way forward would be if the parties themselves agree on a package, on a solution, where everyone will have to compromise little," Walker said.