UNM Member Levan Varshalomidze Detained in Kazakhstan and Released

Levan Varshalomidze, a member of the UNM, was briefly detained in Kazakhstan allegedly at Russia’s request but has since been released. Varshalomidze has faced accusations from Moscow related to his prior roles in Ukraine, which are being disputed by UNM members. Ongoing legal issues and political tensions surrounding his case have prompted responses from both Georgian and Ukrainian authorities.

The opposition party United National Movement (UNM) reported that their member Levan Varshalomidze was detained in Kazakhstan while crossing the border, allegedly at the request of Russia. The UNM announced this detention on Tuesday evening and confirmed Varshalomidze’s release by Wednesday afternoon, although they indicated that legal proceedings might still be ongoing. Head of the UNM’s Batumi branch, Levan Antadze, expressed optimism about further developments regarding Varshalomidze’s situation.

Varshalomidze, an associate of former President Mikheil Saakashvili, held various governmental positions, including leading the government of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara from 2004 to 2012. His involvement continued in Ukraine, where he was appointed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyi to head the nation’s Investment Fund in 2020. Reports suggest that Russia has initiated a criminal case against him, possibly linked to accusations of his involvement in military actions in Ukraine.

Gia Baramidze, another UNM member, contended that accusations against Varshalomidze regarding participation in combat operations were unfounded, clarifying that his role was strictly in investment and support. The party indicated the source of information pertaining to the Russian request was not specified, but prior reports hinted at a search warrant issued by Moscow against Varshalomidze and around 100 other Georgian citizens for alleged mercenary activities.

Tina Bokuchava emphasized Varshalomidze’s significant contributions to both Georgia and Ukraine, positing that these contributions have drawn Russian hostility. Antadze mentioned that Varshalomidze was supported by a lawyer and that there were communications between the Georgian Foreign Ministry, the Ukrainian government, and Kazakh authorities regarding his case. However, the Georgian Foreign Ministry had not provided any comments on the matter by the time of publication.

In recent years, Varshalomidze engaged in Georgian politics as a parliament member elected in 2020 but chose not to retain his seat following the disputed results of the 2021 local elections. He also ran for leadership within the UNM in 2020, although he was ultimately defeated by Nika Melia.

In summary, Levan Varshalomidze of the UNM was temporarily detained in Kazakhstan due to a Russian request but has since been released. This incident highlights tensions between Russia and Georgia, as Varshalomidze faces unfounded allegations from Moscow. His past contributions to both Georgia and Ukraine fuel the perception of political persecution, prompting involvement from both Georgian and Ukrainian authorities.

Original Source: oc-media.org