Levan Varshalomidze, a former Georgian official, was detained in Kazakhstan on March 18 under a Russian indictment tied to political consulting with Ukraine. His detention raises potential extradition concerns, and calls for effective communication have emerged to secure his release. Varshalomidze’s past roles underscore his importance in Georgian and Ukrainian political dealings.

Levan Varshalomidze, a former chairman of the Government of Adjara and member of the Unity-UNM, was detained in Kazakhstan while attempting to cross the border on March 18, as reported by UNM representative Levan Bezhashvili. Varshalomidze’s detention is connected to an alleged indictment from Russia, which is pursuing a criminal case against him for his political consulting activities with the Ukrainian government.

Bezhashvili characterized the charges as unfounded and emphasized the need for effective dialogue to facilitate Varshalomidze’s release. He underscored the importance of making a decision that reflects the interests of Georgia and Kazakhstan.

At 53 years old, Varshalomidze served as the head of Adjara’s government from 2004 to 2012, notably overseeing significant redevelopment efforts in Adjara, especially in the capital city, Batumi. Following his governorship, he became an adviser to Ukraine’s then-President Petro Poroshenko in 2015, leading a group of Georgian experts to support reforms in Ukraine.

In summary, Levan Varshalomidze’s detention in Kazakhstan raises concerns regarding the potential extradition to Russia on questionable charges. His contributions to Georgian governance and his role in Ukrainian reforms highlight his significance in the region, necessitating a careful response from authorities in both countries to protect his interests.

Original Source: civil.ge