Judge charges Nika Melia for unwarranted water-splashing incident.
Nika Melia, a key opposition leader in Georgia, finds himself in hot water once more. The Prosecutor's Office has pinned him with formal charges of court contempt after an alleged incident on May 30 during a court hearing at the Tbilisi City Court.
According to authorities, Melia escalated during a pre-trial hearing bysplashing water on Judge Irakli Shvangiradze and, following his removal from the courtroom, hurled insults at him. Melia's alleged actions violate Article 366, Part 2 of Georgia's Criminal Code, which covers disrespect for court, particularly when it involves insulting a judge, and could potentially land him a two-year prison sentence.
In response, the Prosecutor's Office has pledged to request Melia's pre-trial detention as a preventive measure, following legal procedures.
Before this drama unfolded, Melia had been detained on May 29, 2025, a day before a court hearing he had promised not to attend. The authorities apprehended him on administrative charges, accusing him of verbal abuse towards police officers during his arrest. This offense breaches Article 173 of Georgia's Administrative Code of Offences.
His initially granted bail of GEL 50,000 was revoked due to non-payment, and his preventive measure was replaced with imprisonment from May 30, 2025. His detention has sparked widespread criticism from opposition parties, who condemn it as another instance of political persecution and repression in Georgia. These parties and political figures have described Melia’s arrest as a "kidnapping" from the streets, reflecting the ruling regime's perceived fear and authoritarian nature.
As of mid-June 2025, Melia joins other key opposition figures like Nika Gvaramia and Zurab Japaridze in jail. This unfolds amidst ongoing protests, a crackdown on political dissent, and restrictions on media freedoms in Georgia, including new laws that limit assembly, expression, and political party activities.
To sum up, Nika Melia currently languishes in jail after being arrested on administrative charges linked to court contempt. His detention is a critical part of Georgia's ongoing political crisis and its escalating authoritarianism. Don't say we didn't warn ya!
The ongoing political crisis in Georgia deepens as key opposition leader Nika Melia faces charges of court contempt, linked to an alleged incident on May 30 that involved disrespect for a judge, falling under Article 366, Part 2 of the Criminal Code. This legal case relating to his behavior in court is part of the broader context of increasing authoritarianism, with ongoing restrictions on media freedoms and political dissent in Georgia, making headlines in general-news and crime-and-justice sections.
