Man detained for shooting at UNM opposition banner in Tbilisi

Georgian law enforcers have detained one individual who allegedly shot at a banner of the United National Movement opposition party which depicts the party’s currently imprisoned leader Nika Melia. 

The Georgian Interior Ministry says that the detainee has been charged with the illegal possession and carrying of firearms and property damage. 

The crime is punishable by four to seven years in prison. The detainee is a 29-year-old man. 

The banner is attached to the party headquarters on the Kakheti Highway on the outskirts of Tbilisi. 

The UNM party said that the man shot at the banner from his car, Agenda.ge reported.

Melia was arrested on February 23, 2021 for his refusal to pay bail. His release is one of the three demands of the opposition in the currently ongoing, EU-mediated talks with the ruling Georgian Dream party.