Levan Varshalomidze, former head of Adjara’s government, was detained in Kazakhstan on March 18. He faces possible extradition to Russia related to alleged political consulting with Ukraine. The UNM party has called the indictment baseless and is seeking his release, emphasizing the need for a decision that aligns with Georgian and Kazakh interests.
On March 18, Levan Varshalomidze, a former chairman of the Government of Adjara and member of the Unity-UNM party, was detained at an airport in Kazakhstan while attempting to cross the border. The news was reported by Levan Bezhashvili from the UNM party, who indicated that Varshalomidze is facing a potential extradition risk to Russia due to an alleged indictment related to his political consulting work with the Ukrainian government.
Bezhashvili contended that the criminal case against Varshalomidze is unfounded and called for effective communication to facilitate his release. He emphasized the importance of a decision that serves the best interests of both Georgia and Kazakhstan in handling the situation.
Varshalomidze, aged 53, served as head of Adjara’s government from 2004 to 2012 and played a pivotal role in the redevelopment of Adjara, especially in Batumi. In 2015, he became an adviser to President Petro Poroshenko of Ukraine, where he led a team of Georgian experts aimed at supporting reforms in Ukraine.
The detention of Levan Varshalomidze in Kazakhstan raises concerns over his potential extradition to Russia, based on allegations stemming from his political consulting with Ukraine. The UNM party has described the indictment as baseless and is seeking his release while advocating for a resolution that respects the interests of Georgia and Kazakhstan. Varshalomidze’s significant contributions to the development of Adjara and his advisory role in Ukraine highlight his political importance.
Original Source: civil.ge
