UNM head accuses ex-interior minister of illegal recording release against him

Nika Melia, an incumbent chair of the United National Movement – the largest opposition group in the country founded by former president Mikheil Saakashvili –  on Tuesday accused Vano Merabishvili, the former interior minister of the UNM government, of releasing an illegal recording against him on social media earlier this month. 

Speaking with TV Pirveli, Melia claimed he knew “for sure” Merabishvili, who left prison in 2020, was behind the release in which Melia is reportedly heard to insulting Saakashvili, allegedly prior to the latter’s clandestine return to Georgia in October 2021 and subsequent arrest. 

He also claimed along with Merabishvili, who has not announced his political plans so far,  currently wanted former defence minister, David Kezerashvili, was taking actions against him to prevent his reelection to the party chairman’s post in the near future. 

Melia noted Levan Khabeishvili, his major competitor to the post, had no genuine power and he was following the instructions of the duet. 

The audio recording was released on social media on January 9.