The arrest of Nika Melia is politically motivated

Amnesty International is responding to the arrest of Nika Melia, the leader of the United National Movement. The organization calls the incident a manifestation of political justice.

"Arresting him, let alone violently, before the appeal has been considered shows the Georgian authorities’ flagrant disregard for the rule of law and authority and integrity of the judiciary, and suggests the arrest is politically motivated," the article reads.

The statement also said that 20 people besides Nika Melia were arrested and the police used tear gas and pepper spray.

The entry of special forces into the office of the "National Movement" and the arrest of Nika Melia have already been followed by numerous international responses and criticisms. The leaders of the partner countries call on the authorities to start negotiations and defuse the situation in the country.