Levan Varshalomidze Detained in Kazakhstan at Russia’s Request, Later Released
Levan Varshalomidze, a UNM politician, was detained in Kazakhstan at Russia’s request but has since been released. Accusations of involvement in combat operations in Ukraine were disputed by party members. The UNM continues to engage with legal proceedings and diplomatic communications surrounding the case.
Levan Varshalomidze, an opposition politician and member of the United National Movement (UNM), was detained at an airport in Kazakhstan while crossing the border. The UNM has stated that this detention was linked to a request from the Russian government. The detention was communicated to the press by the UNM on Tuesday evening and by Wednesday afternoon, they announced Varshalomidze’s release.
Levan Antadze, the leader of the Batumi branch of UNM, confirmed that Varshalomidze was released but indicated that legal processes remained ongoing. He expressed hope for positive developments. Varshalomidze, a former head of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, is closely associated with ex-President Mikheil Saakashvili’s administration from 2004 to 2012 and has held significant roles in Ukraine under Presidents Petro Poroshenko and Volodymyr Zelenskyi.
Reports from various UNM members indicate that a criminal case has been opened against Varshalomidze in Russia, prompting the detention request from Moscow. Party member Gia Baramidze stated that Varshalomidze faces accusations of participating in combat operations in Ukraine, which he disputes, emphasizing that Varshalomidze contributed to Ukraine’s efforts without engaging in military actions.
The UNM did not disclose the source of its information regarding the Russian request, but prior Russian media reports suggested Varshalomidze is among 100 Georgian citizens wanted for alleged mercenary activities. Another party member, Tina Bokuchava, noted that Varshalomidze has significantly aided both Georgia and Ukraine, leading to his persecution by Russia.
Levan Antadze mentioned that Varshalomidze is receiving legal support and that the Georgian and Ukrainian foreign ministries are communicating with Kazakhstan regarding the matter. The details surrounding his release were not specified, and OC Media reached out to the Georgian Foreign Ministry for comments, with no response received at the time of publication.
In addition to his activities in Ukraine, Varshalomidze has been an active figure in Georgian politics, serving as a parliament member since 2020. However, he relinquished his seat after the 2021 local elections to protest the official outcomes and also ran for UNM leadership in 2020, ultimately losing to Nika Melia.
Levan Varshalomidze’s recent detention in Kazakhstan highlights ongoing tensions between Russia and Georgian politicians. Despite accusations from Moscow regarding his military involvement in Ukraine, the UNM asserts his innocence. His release reflects ongoing legal complexities and international diplomatic efforts, illustrating the intricate relationship between Georgia, Ukraine, and Russia in the current political landscape.
Original Source: oc-media.org
