Levan Varshalomidze, a former Georgian government official, was detained in Kazakhstan on March 18 and may face extradition to Russia over alleged political consulting work with Ukraine. UNM representative Levan Bezhashvili described the case as baseless, advocating for Varshalomidze’s release in a manner that serves both Georgia’s and Kazakhstan’s interests.
Levan Varshalomidze, a former chairman of the Government of Adjara and a member of the Unity-UNM, was arrested in Kazakhstan while crossing through the airport on March 18. According to UNM representative Levan Bezhashvili, Varshalomidze may face “a risk of extradition” to Russia due to an alleged indictment linked to his political consulting work with Ukraine.
Bezhashvili characterized the case as unfounded and urged for immediate “proper communication” to facilitate Varshalomidze’s release, stressing the importance of decisions that serve the interests of both Georgia and Kazakhstan.
At 53 years old, Varshalomidze led the government of Adjara from 2004 to 2012, playing a significant role in Batumi’s redevelopment. In 2015, he became an adviser to Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, where he headed efforts to implement reforms through a team of Georgian experts.
The recent arrest of Levan Varshalomidze in Kazakhstan raises concerns regarding a possible extradition to Russia based on questionable allegations. His political history and contributions to both Adjara and Ukraine highlight the implications such actions may have on international relations. The call for effective communication underscores the need to protect Varshalomidze’s legal rights while considering the geopolitical context intertwined with his detainment.
Original Source: civil.ge
