Levan Varshalomidze, a member of the United National Movement in Georgia, was detained in Kazakhstan allegedly at Russia’s request but was released soon after. The UNM claims Varshalomidze is facing accusations from Moscow related to his support for Ukraine. Various members of the UNM are actively addressing the legal complexities surrounding his case, indicating foreign ministry engagement and ongoing legal processes.
The United National Movement (UNM) reported that Levan Varshalomidze, a member of its political party, was temporarily detained at a Kazakhstan airport, purportedly at the request of Russian authorities. This information was disclosed to the media on Tuesday evening, and by Wednesday afternoon, it was confirmed by Levan Antadze, head of the Batumi branch, that Varshalomidze had been released.
Despite his release, Antadze mentioned that legal proceedings concerning Varshalomidze are ongoing, and he expressed optimism for positive developments. Varshalomidze, an ally of former President Mikheil Saakashvili, served as the head of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara’s government during the UNM’s rule from 2004 to 2012. He also held governmental roles in Ukraine under Presidents Petro Poroshenko and Volodymyr Zelenskyi and was appointed to lead Ukraine’s Investment Fund in 2020.
Several UNM members indicated that a criminal case had been initiated against Varshalomidze in Russia, alleging his involvement in military operations in Ukraine, which party member Gia Baramidze firmly disputed. Baramidze emphasized that Varshalomidze’s contributions were significant in terms of economic support for Ukraine, without any engagement in combat.
The UNM did not provide details on the origins of the information regarding the Russian request; however, Russian media had previously noted that Varshalomidze was among a list of 100 Georgian citizens sought by Moscow for alleged mercenary involvement. Another UNM member, Tina Bokuchava, commented on the situation, asserting that Varshalomidze’s persecution by Russia stemmed from his substantial contributions to both Georgia and Ukraine.
Antadze further indicated that Varshalomidze had secured legal representation, and that communications were underway between Georgian and Ukrainian authorities with Kazakhstan on his behalf. Yet, no official comment was received from the Georgian Foreign Ministry by the time of this report’s publication. Varshalomidze, also involved politically in Georgia, previously served in parliament but resigned in protest against the 2021 local election results. Additionally, he competed for UNM leadership in 2020 but was ultimately defeated by Nika Melia.
In conclusion, Levan Varshalomidze’s detention in Kazakhstan highlights ongoing political tensions involving Georgia and Russia. While he has been released, the allegations against him raise concerns about the implications of international legal conflicts. The UNM’s response underscores Varshalomidze’s significant contributions to both Georgia and Ukraine, positioning him as a figure facing unjust persecution due to his actions and affiliations. The continued support from governmental entities and UNM members illustrates the importance of collective efforts in defending Varshalomidze’s rights, as well as the broader geopolitical challenges in the region. The involvement of both Ukrainian and Georgian authorities denotes a commitment to upholding the interests of their citizens amid external pressures. Additionally, the case emphasizes the ongoing scrutiny of individuals in politics who engage with Ukraine during its current crisis, ultimately reflecting the precarious landscape of international relations and national loyalty.
Original Source: oc-media.org
