U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee Lead Republican Michael McCaul and Chairman Gregory W. Meeks echoed the political developments in Georgia with a statement.

“Escalating political tensions in Tbilisi threaten to undermine and destabilize the democratic progress the Georgian people have fought so hard to achieve.

We encourage all sides to respect democratic principles and engage in a constructive dialogue that leads to a peaceful solution to the events surrounding the Melia case.

A strong and resilient Georgian democracy that respects the rule of law and a multi-party system is critical for both Georgia and regional stability,” reads the statement.

Tbilisi City Court ordered the pre-trial detention for Nika Melia, Chairman of the United National Movement (UNM) opposition party, on February 17 following the lifting of his parliamentary immunity. The Ministry of Interior of Georgia suspended the enforcement of the court ruling following Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia’s resignation.