"The charges are completely unfounded and baseless. The charges were hastily brought, as they do not specify the group of individuals he allegedly influenced, what influence he used, or when using experience became a crime," said Beka Nemsitsveridze, the lawyer of Romeo Mikautadze, the former First Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development.
According to the lawyer, Romeo Mikautadze and his family are not being given the opportunity to justify the origin of their assets. As the lawyer explained, the former official’s family has taken out a loan of 5 million USD.
"Since this is about a corruption-related crime, someone might get the impression that it involves Romeo Mikautadze misappropriating or stealing budget funds, but that is not the case. He is accused of engaging in business activities, which officials are not allowed to do, but the activities he is charged with do not constitute entrepreneurial activity. He is also accused of abusing his authority, allegedly using his influence, connections, and experience, but the charges do not specify how his influence was manifested, who the individuals were that he allegedly approached to resolve certain issues, or what benefits companies received through him. Therefore, we consider the charges to be completely unfounded and baseless. The charges were hastily brought, as they do not mention the group of individuals he allegedly influenced, what influence he used, or when using experience became a crime.
I don’t know why they rushed or what their interest is. Of course, we will file a motion to have him released without a preventive measure, as we believe he is innocent. However, we are not detached from reality and know the court’s approach to such cases when there is public interest. Nevertheless, we are also prepared to file a motion for bail, but our primary demand will be to leave him without a preventive measure.
In similar cases involving other individuals, the first thing that happens is that the accused is given the opportunity to explain and justify the origin of the assets suspected of being illegally obtained. In this case, none of his family members have been questioned, and they have not been given the chance to explain the origin of the assets. They can explain, of course – his family has taken out a 5 million USD loan, which covers all the amounts the prosecution is talking about. Additionally, before 2017, he was engaged in business activities and owned two hydropower plants, which he sold, generating significant income. Therefore, there is no issue in explaining these amounts. Moreover, regarding the 600,000 EUR, Romeo Mikautadze cannot comment because it was registered under his spouse’s name, and she sold it – what does this have to do with Romeo Mikautadze? At the very least, they should have questioned his spouse. The 2.5 million GEL they are accusing him of includes the 600,000 EUR and two vehicles. His family has substantial income, as it did even before he became an official," said Beka Nemsitsveridze.
Additionally, according to the lawyer, the case includes several testimonies from individuals, and based on their content, he believes that some form of pressure may have been exerted on the witnesses.
"The case also contains several suspicious testimonies, including one from Mariam Ksovreli. Based on their content, it is possible that pressure was exerted on them. The content of the testimonies also suggests what kind of pressure may have been applied. We will look into this issue as well," said Beka Nemsitsveridze.
For context, the court hearing for Romeo Mikautadze, the former First Deputy Minister of Economy charged with abuse of official authority and legalization of illegal income, is scheduled for today. The session will discuss the imposition of a preventive measure against Mikautadze. According to his lawyer, the former Deputy Minister does not plead guilty.
As a reminder, according to the prosecution’s charges, Romeo Mikautadze systematically abused his official powers, which was accompanied by obtaining particularly large amounts of income. Specifically, with the assistance of individuals involved in criminal activities, the accused legalized 2,556,192 GEL in illegal and unjustified income.