**Opposition Politicians Face Verdicts in High-Stakes Court Cases**
On June 27, the fates of two prominent opposition politicians will be decided. Givi Targamadze and Nika Melia, leaders of the “Coalition for Change,” are set to receive verdicts in their cases involving charges of failing to comply with a request from the Parliamentary Temporary Investigative Commission.
**Targamadze’s Final Statement Looms Large**
Givi Targamadze’s court hearing is scheduled for 10:30 AM at Tbilisi City Court. As part of the proceedings, he will be expected to deliver his final statement, a crucial moment in which he can articulate his defense and express any final thoughts before the judge delivers the verdict. However, it remains uncertain whether Targamadze will choose to exercise this right or even attend the hearing.
**Melia’s Case Heads Towards Conclusion**
Nika Melia, on the other hand, has already made clear that he does not intend to deliver a final statement or appear in court. His case is now at the stage where the judge will deliberate before handing down the verdict. Melia faces charges under Article 349 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which carries a punishment of up to one year’s imprisonment and/or the deprivation of his right to hold office or engage in professional activity for up to three years.
**Bail and Detention: A Complex Situation**
Givi Targamadze was granted bail in the amount of 10,000 GEL, which he paid within the required timeframe. In contrast, Nika Melia’s bail of 50,000 GEL was not paid on time, resulting in his pretrial detention. Even if Melia receives an acquittal or a non-custodial sentence in this case, he will still be unable to leave prison due to his separate remand into custody for contempt of court.
**The Verdicts Will Have Far-Reaching Consequences**
The verdicts handed down in these cases are likely to have significant implications for the opposition and the wider Georgian political landscape. As two prominent leaders face justice, the country will be watching closely to see how this plays out.
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