The Tbilisi City Court imposed detention as a preventive measure on Nika Melia, a leader of the “Coalition for Change,” in the case of his non-appearance before the Parliament’s temporary investigative commission, thereby granting the prosecution’s motion.

As Judge Irakli Shvangiradze explained, Nika Melia’s deliberate failure to pay the 50,000 GEL bail imposed in this case was intentional.

Nika Melia himself did not attend the announcement of the decision, as he threw water at Judge Irakli Shvangiradze before the ruling was issued, after which he was expelled from the courtroom.

Regarding the defense’s position, the lawyers explained that Nika Melia was detained on May 29 at 9:00 p.m., while the deadline for paying the bail was midnight on May 29. According to them, it was possible that Melia could have paid the bail in the final hours.

“No one prevents a person from changing their decision,” said lawyer Giorgi Kondakhishvili.

The prosecution stated that Nika Melia disregarded a lawful demand, and the defense’s claim that “he intended to pay the bail” is baseless.

Judge Irakli Shvangiradze then posed the following question to the lawyers: “Was the failure to pay the bail due to his detention, or did he lack the desire to pay?”

In response, lawyer Giorgi Kondakhishvili stated that Melia’s ability to pay the bail was unlawfully restricted.

“The state unlawfully deprived him of the opportunity to pay the bail because he was illegally detained. Who prevented Nika Melia from paying the amount at 11:30 p.m.?” said Giorgi Kondakhishvili.

“Mr. [Giorgi] Vashadze also paid at the last moment,” Nika Melia remarked as a retort before being expelled from the courtroom.

For reference, Nika Melia was summoned to provide explanations at a session of the temporary investigative commission of the Georgian Parliament, which he did not attend, after which he was charged.

By the decision of the Tbilisi City Court, a 50,000 GEL bail was imposed as a preventive measure.

Nika Melia was charged under Article 349 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to “failure to comply with the demands of the temporary investigative commission of the Georgian Parliament.”

This offense is punishable by a fine, imprisonment for up to one year, or disqualification from holding a position or engaging in certain activities for up to three years.