“We call for the release of all political prisoners. All political parties in Georgia must stop provocations and negotiate a peaceful solution to the crisis.” – Jim Risch, Jeanne Shaheen, Adam Kinzinger and Gerry Connolly
Four US congressmen have responded to yesterday’s arrest of Nika Melia, the leader of the United National Movement. They note in their statement that the current events hinder Georgia’s democracy.
The congressmen are concerned about the decision of the Georgian government to detain Nika Melia and other activists. They point out that the use of the judiciary to carry out politically motivated actions hinders the country’s Euro-Atlantic and democratic aspirations.
The statement said: “We call for the release of all political prisoners, including Nika Melia and Giorgi Rurua. All political parties in Georgia must stop provocations and negotiate a peaceful solution to the crisis.”
It was signed by Jim Risch, a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Jeanne Shaheen, chairman of the European Subcommittee, and Adam Kinzinger and Gerry Connolly, chairman of the “Friendship of Georgia” in the House of Representatives.
By Ketevan Skhirtladze
