The Ministry of Internal Affairs says that Nika Melia, the leader of the Coalition for Change, has been detained on administrative charges.

Specifically, according to the agency, Nika Melia was detained under Article 173 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of Georgia, which pertains to verbal abuse and/or other offensive actions against a law enforcement officer.

"Nika Melia was detained by law enforcement officers under Article 173 of the Administrative Offenses Code of Georgia, which pertains to verbal abuse of a law enforcement officer and/or other offensive actions during the performance of official duties or in connection with the performance of official duties. In order to consider the administrative offense case and make an appropriate decision, Nika Melia will be brought to court in accordance with the procedure established by law," the Ministry of Internal Affairs said.