Levan Varshalomidze, a former chair of the Government of Adjara and UNM member, has been detained in Kazakhstan on an alleged Russian indictment concerning his political consulting with Ukraine. UNM representatives call the charges baseless and are advocating for his release. Varshalomidze has played significant roles in Georgian politics and in advising Ukraine.
Levan Varshalomidze, formerly a prominent political figure associated with the United National Movement (UNM) and past chairman of the Government of Adjara, was detained in Kazakhstan on March 18 while attempting to cross the border at an airport. Levan Bezhashvili, representing the UNM, informed the media that the detention is linked to an indictment from Russia concerning Varshalomidze’s political consulting activities with the Ukrainian government, which he contends is without merit.
Bezhashvili emphasized the potential consequences of extradition to Russia, deeming the legal action against Varshalomidze as unfounded. He has urged for effective communication to facilitate Varshalomidze’s release, advocating for a resolution that is in the best interests of both Georgia and Kazakhstan.
At the age of 53, Varshalomidze previously held the position of head of the Adjara government from 2004 to 2012, where he was instrumental in the significant redevelopment of the region, especially in Batumi, its capital. In addition to his governmental roles, he served as an adviser to former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in 2015, spearheading initiatives aimed at implementing reforms in Ukraine.
The recent detention of Levan Varshalomidze raises significant concerns regarding his potential extradition to Russia. Advocacy from his political colleagues highlights the perceived baselessness of the charges against him. Varshalomidze’s influential past in Georgia and his advisory capacity in Ukraine underscore his prominent political role, calling for measured responses from Georgian and Kazakh authorities to ensure his fair treatment.
Original Source: civil.ge
