Georgian Parliamentary commission refers opposition leader Melia to Prosecutor’s Office over non-appearance

Georgia’s parliamentary commission investigating the activities of the former United National Movement government has voted unanimously to refer opposition leader Nika Melia to the Prosecutor General’s Office after he failed to appear before the body.

The chairwoman of the temporary investigative commission, Thea Tsulukiani, announced on Friday that Melia had been formally summoned to provide testimony at 1:00 PM, but did not attend. She said that official documentation confirms he received the notification and was aware of his obligation to appear.

“Unlike other witnesses, Melia showed a disrespectful attitude toward the commission’s secretariat and dismissed the summons outright,” Tsulukiani said during the session. “We hoped he would reconsider and appear, but he failed to show up even by 4:00 PM. Therefore, the commission has fulfilled its duty and referred the case to the Prosecutor’s Office.”

She also suggested Melia’s actions may constitute a violation of Article 349 of the Criminal Code, which addresses the obstruction of investigative procedures.

The referral marks the second such case forwarded by the commission in a single day. Giorgi Vashadze, leader of the Strategy Agmashenebeli party, was also referred to the Prosecutor General’s Office after failing to appear for questioning.

Speaking after the vote, Tsulukiani confirmed that all relevant documentation concerning Melia’s case would be submitted to prosecutors by the end of the working day.

The investigative commission, which continues to examine the conduct of the former UNM-led administration, is scheduled to resume its work on Monday. Tsulukiani added that an additional session would take place on Wednesday next week, with further details to be announced.