Public Defender Nino Lomjaria calls on the government to take steps to de-escalate the situation. According to the ombudsman, one of the main steps in this direction will be Nika Melia's release.
"I have made several statements, and I believe that the use of detention as a measure of restraint was not properly justified. Pre-trial detention is not a form of punishment; it should not be used when a citizen has violated another type of preventive measure. It should be used when we know with evidence that the accused is hiding or destroying evidence. The Public Defender did not see such evidence, as it was not presented at the trial.
I am sure that neither the supporters of the ruling force nor the supporters of the opposition want polarization in the country.
I call on the authorities to take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation; one of the possible outcomes can be his release. I hope the court will make a reasonable decision," Nino Lomjaria said.
