Opposition leader Melia’s lawyer calls latest court proceedings ‘purely political’

The lawyer of Nika Melia, one of the leaders of the Coalition for Change, has described ongoing court proceedings against his client as a politically motivated process rather than a matter of justice.

Speaking to the media on Friday, Giorgi Kondakhishvili said the defence’s priority is to see the case concluded swiftly.

“We do not consider that the current proceedings against Nika Melia constitute a legitimate legal process. This is a purely political process. Our interest is to have the case concluded as quickly as possible so we can see what decision the authorities ultimately make - whether Nika remains in detention or an alternative sentence is applied,” Kondakhishvili said.

The case, currently before the Tbilisi City Court, concerns allegations of contempt against Judge Tornike Kochkiani. The trial has reached its final stage, with the next session scheduled for closing arguments from both parties.