The lawyer of former Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Romeo Mikautadze, Beka Nemsitsveridze, does not rule out the possibility of concluding a plea bargain for Mikautadze.

When asked whether Mikautadze had testified against the former head of the State Security Service, Grigol Liluashvili, which could form the basis for a plea agreement, the lawyer said he is not aware of this.

“I do not know whether his testimony is included in that criminal case. At this stage, there are no negotiations regarding a plea bargain, but I cannot rule anything out. If the need arises, it may be concluded, but this is not my decision - Romeo Mikautadze must decide whether he will continue the fight to the end or enter into a plea agreement. At this stage, there has been no discussion at all about a plea bargain. No initiative has come from the prosecutor’s office, nor has Romeo Mikautadze instructed me to approach the prosecution,” said Beka Nemsitsveridze.

According to the case prosecutor, Irakli Marshania, no plea bargain negotiations are currently underway. As he explained, a plea agreement requires the defendant to admit guilt, compensate the damage, and formally apply to the prosecution with such a request. Marshania noted that these components have not been met at this stage.

At present, Mikautadze’s court hearing is underway at the Tbilisi City Court, where Mikautadze acknowledged six prosecution witnesses as undisputed, meaning they will not be questioned.

According to the prosecution, Romeo Mikautadze systematically abused his official authority, resulting in the receipt of particularly large amounts of income.

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

Law enforcement officers arrested the former First Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development on June 20.

He has been charged under several articles of the Criminal Code of Georgia, including Article 333, which concerns abuse of official authority that resulted in the violation of the lawful interests of individuals, society, or the state. This offense is punishable by a fine, house arrest from six months to two years, or imprisonment for up to three years, as well as a possible ban on holding office or engaging in certain activities for up to three years.

He is also charged under Article 332(2), which concerns abuse of official authority by a person holding a state-political position, punishable by a fine or imprisonment from three to five years, along with a ban on holding office or engaging in certain activities for up to three years.

Additionally, Mikautadze is charged under Article 337, which involves the illegal establishment or management of an enterprise, institution, or organization by an official or an equivalent person, despite a legal prohibition, as well as obtaining unlawful benefits or privileges through patronage. This offense carries a penalty of house arrest from six months to two years or imprisonment from two to four years, with a possible ban on holding office or engaging in certain activities for up to three years.

Mikautadze is also charged under Article 194(3)(g) of the Criminal Code, which concerns the legalization of illegal income (money laundering) involving particularly large amounts. This offense is punishable by nine to twelve years of imprisonment.