**Georgian Opposition Leader Nika Melia Arrested Ahead of Court Hearing**
On May 29, Nika Melia, a leader of the opposition Coalition for Change in Georgia, was arrested. This comes just one day before his scheduled court hearing on charges related to refusing to testify before a parliamentary commission controlled by the ruling Georgian Dream party.
Melia’s lawyer confirmed the arrest, which is seen as an attempt to silence him ahead of the court hearing. Tbilisi City Court had previously set bail in the case to be paid by May 30. Melia’s detention is part of a wider pattern of persecution of opposition leaders and activists in Georgia.
**Travel Warnings Issued for Foreigners**
The Polish and French Embassies in Tbilisi have advised their citizens to carefully consider the factors that could result in denied entry into Georgia before traveling. This warning comes after over a year of incidents where foreign nationals have been turned away at the Georgian border, particularly amid ongoing protests.
The embassies emphasized that participation in or presence at ongoing protests, as well as social media activity, could lead to entry issues. This raises concerns about the restrictions on free movement and expression in Georgia.
**Georgian Airways Under Scrutiny**
Georgian Airways, the national airline, is under scrutiny following reports that one of its VIP aircraft was allegedly used to transport Giorgi Bachaishvili, an aide to Bidzina Ivanishvili, from Abu Dhabi to Tbilisi. The incident has been described as an unlawful cross-border abduction, characterized by blindfolds, secrecy, and a lack of formal extradition procedures.
This raises questions about the misuse of state resources and the prioritization of personal interests over the rule of law.
**Georgian Dream’s International Engagements**
Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze recently visited Hungary, where he met with his Hungarian counterpart, Viktor Orbán. This is part of a wider pattern of Georgian Dream’s attempts to strengthen ties with authoritarian regimes in Europe.
Kobakhidze’s visit comes as the party faces growing criticism for its human rights record and restrictions on free speech. His participation in the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) has also raised eyebrows, given the conference’s reputation for promoting right-wing ideologies.
**EU Outlines Strategic Approach to Black Sea Region**
The European Commission and the High Representative for EU Foreign Affairs have issued a Joint Communication outlining the EU’s strategic approach to the Black Sea region. The document emphasizes the geostrategic importance of the region and the EU’s commitment to enhancing democratic resilience and asserting its interests.
This comes as Georgia faces growing pressure from authoritarian regimes in Europe, which seek to undermine its sovereignty and democratic institutions.
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