Nika Melia, the chairperson of the National Movement, will not attend the trial, where the hearing of his restraining order will be held. Melia's lawyer Giorgi Kondakhishvili told journalists about it before the trial.
According to Kondakhashvili, despite the defense's motion, Melia was not allowed to attend the trial.
He thinks that Nika Melia is a political prisoner, which was confirmed by the prosecutor's statement today.
"A few minutes ago, the prosecutor's statement was released. They once again stated that the detention imposed on Nika Melia is political imprisonment.
In law language, this means that the judge is obliged to release Nika Melia from political custody. The only case is the imperative requirement of the law. When a judge discusses the issue of extending a measure of restraint against Nika Melia, he should make sure that the detention imposed has no alternative.
In addition to our position that the detention of Nika Melia should be abolished altogether, the prosecutor's office itself acknowledges that the goals of the preventive measure may be ensured under bail. There is no danger of Nika Melia escaping.
When a judge hears this issue, the only right decision is to overturn the restraining order or replace it with a less stringent restraining order. In both cases, this will lead to the release of Nika Melia from prison.
Most importantly, our position is unchanged; any restraint against Nika Melia must be lifted, he must be released from political imprisonment. As for his presence, although we petitioned the court on April 6 to allow him to attend this important trial, Melia will not participate in the hearing," Giorgi Kondakhashvili said.
Nika Melia's trial is underway at the moment. It will be known today whether the judge will change the restraining order against Nika Melia. The accused himself has no right to attend the trial.
Judge Nino Chakhnashvili is considering the case. According to her decision, on February 17, 2021, the motion of the prosecutor's office was satisfied, and Melia was sentenced to imprisonment as a measure of restraint for refusing to pay bail.
