"I am cooperating with the investigation, as is my family. No one ever considered fleeing or taking any similar action. I am Georgian, I was born here, and I plan to remain here even a hundred years from now," – said Romeo Mikautadze, former Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, during his court hearing where the imposed preventive measure of detention was being reviewed.

Mikautadze addressed the judge, presenting arguments on why he should not remain in custody.

"I would like to express my respect for the law enforcement agencies – both the Prosecutor’s Office and the State Security Service. I also thank my family and supporters for standing by me during this difficult time.

I’m confident that, with God’s help, this will soon be over...

Alongside my 25 years of academic and professional activity, I am a recipient of the Order of Honor... Throughout my career, both in the public and private sectors, I can proudly say I have left behind measurable results that reflect my work.

Unfortunately, questions were raised about my family’s income, but those will be answered – an audit of our finances is underway.

I am cooperating with the investigation, and so is my family. No one has even thought of escaping or doing anything like that. I am Georgian, I was born here, and I plan to remain here even a hundred years from now.

All of this will soon be behind me, and I hope I will be able to return to a normal life with my devoted and beautiful wife, my brave son, my daughter-in-law, my parents, my beloved brother, my big family, and friends. After almost two months of waiting, seeing you today brings me a bit of relief.

I have limited access to visits, phone calls, and letters...

All my family members, including myself, appeared for questioning at the first possible opportunity. We fully complied with the request not to leave the country – not only me, but also my family members. If my passport is taken, the risk of fleeing becomes zero. Owning real estate abroad doesn’t give one the right to flee the country. I am a law-abiding citizen, and I respect this courtroom and the court. There are no risks. However, Your Honor, the decision lies in your hands. Of course, prison is hard – it’s a difficult place to be. You are in my heart, and I long for the day when I’ll be back with you all.

There was intense activity at the beginning of the investigation, mostly questioning. That phase is over now, so I cannot influence it. And if there are any hypothetical risks, an electronic bracelet is an option.

I believe your decision will be fair.

I became a father when I was 17, and I grew up alongside my son. I want to tell you – give your families more time than you currently do,” – Mikautadze said.

For reference: according to the Prosecutor’s Office, Romeo Mikautadze systematically abused his official powers, which resulted in obtaining especially large amounts of income.

Specifically, the defendant, with the help of individuals connected to him through criminal ties, carried out the illegal and unjustified legalization of income amounting to 2,556,192 GEL.

The former First Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development was arrested on June 20. He has been charged under Article 332, part 2, and Article 194, part 3, subparagraph “g” of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which carries a sentence of up to 12 years in prison.