EU posts bail to free jailed Georgia opposition leader

Move paves way for Nika Melia's release and end to political crisis that has gripped the country

The European Union said on Saturday it had posted bail for Georgia's jailed opposition leader, Nika Melia, paving the way for his release and ending a protracted political crisis in the Caucasus country.

Melia, the chair of Georgia's main opposition force, the United National Movement (UNM), was arrested in February in a violent police raid on his party headquarters, sparking protests and condemnation from the west.