Prosecution Requests Parliament to Lift Immunity from UNM’s Nika Melia

Charged for Group Violence, Summoned for Interrogation

The Prosecutors Office has requested the parliament of Georgia to lift immunity from an opposition MP Nika Melia of the United National Movement (UNM), charging him for inciting and heading mass violence on the night of 20-21 June on Rustaveli Avenue.

Melia is summoned to the Prosecutor’s Office on June 26 to be formally charged for his role in Thursday’s clash between the protesters and police in front of the Parliament of Georgia.

The Prosecutor’s Office and Interior Ministry reported having launched investigation on charges of organization of, participation in and leading a group activity accompanied by violence under article 225 of Georgia’s Criminal Code.

According to Prosecutor’s Office, a total of 121 persons were detained on charges of confronting police and obstructing public order on the night of June 20-21, some have already served short administrative detention, while 54 remain in custody.

A group of opposition and civic activists gathered in front of the parliament of Georgia, condemning the Russian delegation’s presence at a session of the Inter-parliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy in the parliament’s plenary chamber on June 20.

Tensions mounted around 10pm Tbilisi time on Thursday, when part of the protesters tried to break through the first cordon of the police, but were pushed back by the riot police.

Situation remained tense overnight. 240 people, including 80 police officers and 12 journalists have been injured, as police dispersed protesters through massive use of tear gas and rubber bullets.

For more follow our tag on Tbilisi protests

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