Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, Shalva Papuashvili, wrote on social media that, as in the case of Nika Melia, the Lithuanian government continues to harm Georgia’s reputation until the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) rules on the matter—and even if proven wrong, it offers no apology.

He recalled a previous case involving opposition leader Nika Melia.

“On February 18, 2021, the Lithuanian ambassador visited the main office of the United National Movement to express solidarity, while Melia was being held for resisting police and refusing to pay bail—resulting in court-ordered pre-trial detention. Three years later, Strasbourg confirmed the detention was lawful. This raises the question: was the Lithuanian ambassador incompetent, or simply supporting an extremist politician?”

Papuashvili drew a parallel with the recent case of Zurab Japaridze.

“On May 24, 2025, the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the pre-trial detention of Japaridze, who also refused to pay bail. I hope he, too, appeals to Strasbourg, where, in another three years, the court will again confirm the detention was legal. And once again, the Lithuanian side will appear either incompetent or supportive of extremist figures.

Just like in the Melia case, until Strasbourg makes a decision, the Lithuanian government will keep damaging Georgia’s reputation—and if proven wrong, won’t even apologize,” Papuashvili concluded.