Romeo Mikautadze’s position has been firm from the very first day - the charges and case materials are known to us, therefore all questions will be answered adequately, said Malkhaz Salakaia, the lawyer of former Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Romeo Mikautadze, after the court hearing.

According to him, when Romeo Mikautadze decides that he wants to enter into a plea agreement and the prosecution side is also ready to take such steps, a plea agreement will be concluded.

“When my client [Romeo Mikautadze] decides that he has the desire to enter into a plea agreement, and similar steps are taken by the prosecution, then a plea agreement will be concluded. His position has been firm from the very first day. The charges and the case materials are known to us, therefore all questions will receive adequate answers.

As for the witness, the witness was an expert who examined certain objects and items and provided an assessment. The conclusion has been presented to us and is known to Romeo Mikautadze, and therefore we considered this evidence undisputed,” Malkhaz Salakaia stated.

For reference, a court hearing in the case of former Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Romeo Mikautadze was held at Tbilisi City Court. At the hearing, the prosecution presented one witness, whose testimony was accepted as undisputed by the defense, after which the examination of written evidence began.

For background, law enforcement officers arrested the former First Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development 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 possible sentence of up to 12 years’ imprisonment.