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National Movement (UNM), in power at that time, devised a several-stage plan to harm him.
“The first stage of the plan concerned the adoption of legal amendments which allowed the sale of properties of legal entities by the state, via an auction, in the case of the detection of tax violations, even though the property was mortgaged by a bank,” the Georgian Prosecutor’s Office has stated.
In short, the prosecutors claim that state officials have allegedly siphoned off assets of Cartu Bank with the participation of private entities. During the claimed activity, Melia was serving as head of the body involved in the appropriation of assets from private entities owing money to the state.
2.4​ ​Georgia’s foreign development partners object to jailing of opposition leader
The US embassy in Georgia has responded to the detention of one of the opposition leaders, Gigi Ugulava, expressing disappointment due to the fact that the timing and context of his conviction and sentencing on February 10 has put the dialogue regarding the electoral system between opposition parties and the ruling Georgian Dream party at risk.
The Embassy has called on all sides to remain committed to the political dialogue.
“The US Embassy supports the political dialogue between Georgia’s governing party and opposition representatives aimed at reaching an agreement on an election system that best serves the Georgian people. The US Embassy is disappointed that the timing and context of the conviction and sentencing of an opposition leader last night has put the dialogue at risk."
The British Embassy in Tbilisi, took to Twitter, saying that Ugulava’s sentencing “leaves unanswered questions.”
“Sentencing of opposition leader Ugulava leaves unanswered questions around timing and process. Also impacts on dialogue on electoral system that will earn trust of Georgian electorate. As friend and strategic partner, UK encourages steps to narrow divisions and reinforce democracy,” reads the tweet on the British Embassy's official Twitter account.
On February 10, the Supreme Court found Ugulava guilty of embezzling funds, in particular, GEL48mn ($16.8mn), and sentenced him to three years in prison. US Senators, having previously sent warnings of the deterioration of the rule of law in Georgia, were more radical in their comments.
Jim Risch, Chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has responded to the arrest of Ugulava.
“I'm disappointed Georgia has chosen to increase its politically motivated abuse of opposition politicians. As I told the Georgian foreign minister last week, the collapse of judicial independence and persecution of the opposition is unacceptable behaviour,” Risch has tweeted.
US Congressman Adam Kinzinger has as well responded to the arrest of
8​ GEORGIA Country Report​ March 2020 ​​www.intellinews.com