Convicted opposition leader Melia challenges ex-Pres Saakashvili to identify alleged 'traitor'

Convicted opposition politician Nika Melia has called on Georgia's former president, also arrested Mikheil Saakashvili, to publicly identify the individual he has previously suggested was involved in acts of political betrayal, arguing that the public has a right to know the full details.

In a letter released from prison on Monday, Melia said Saakashvili should provide a clear explanation rather than make what he described as vague references to unnamed individuals. He argued that questions surrounding political decisions and events from 2021 and 2022 remain unresolved and require public clarification.

Melia rejected suggestions that the dispute was a personal conflict, claiming instead that it concerned matters of significant public interest. He alleged that political agreements and decisions made during that period had affected opposition politics and deserved greater scrutiny.

The opposition figure also criticised Saakashvili for recent comments regarding anti-government protests and accused him of conducting a sustained campaign against him over several months.

Reflecting on his political career, Melia said he entered politics in 2014 with the aim of bringing new ideas to the opposition movement. He argued that his political support was built on direct engagement with voters and maintained that transparency and honesty remain central to his political approach.

Melia also described his relationship with Saakashvili as frequently difficult, despite periods of political cooperation between 2016 and 2021. He said differences in political vision increasingly divided supporters and contributed to tensions within the opposition.