Salome Samadashvili: If Melia is left in custody, it will be a clear sign that the government is trying to conduct political negotiations in the context of human trafficking

"If a decision is made to leave Nika Melia in custody, it will be a clear sign that the government is trying to conduct this political negotiation process in the context of human trafficking," Salome Samadashvili, one of the UNM leaders, said before the start of Nika Melia's trial.

According to her, the decision made by the judge today will not be based on the rule of law and justice, but will be politically motivated.

In addition, Samadashvili noted that the release of Nika Melia from prison today would help the negotiation process.

"We will see what political order the judge has received. I think that if a decision is made to leave Nika Melia in custody, it will be a clear sign that the government is trying to conduct this political negotiation process in the context of human trafficking. I think the release of Melia would help move the negotiation process forward, including in the sense that it is very important for the main opposition party to be represented in the negotiations by its own chairman. Let’s see what decision the court will make, I do not expect it to be a decision based on the rule of law or the principles of law. It will be a political decision”, said Samadashvili.

The trial of Nika Melia is underway in the Tbilisi City Court. Defendant Melia is attending the trial. He had been expelled from the courtroom, however, based on the motion of the lawyers at the last hearing, the judge allowed him to attend the trial today.