Romeo Mikautadze considers himself innocent. As for a plea agreement, no negotiations are currently underway, said Beka Nemsitsveridze, the lawyer of Romeo Mikautadze, former Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, after the court hearing.

According to him, the witnesses questioned so far have failed to confirm Romeo Mikautadze’s guilt.

“At today’s court hearing, the evidence presented by the prosecution was, in fact, already examined as written evidence. Therefore, we did not consider it necessary to re-examine the same evidence again. This evidence consisted of financial documentation, permits, and so on.

We saw that the questioned witnesses did not confirm the information reflected in their interrogation records. Accordingly, we assess that the witnesses who have been examined do not confirm, in any episode, the charges brought against Romeo Mikautadze. If the prosecution has a witness who can confirm the charges brought, we expect them to present such a witness; however, after so many hearings, the prosecution has failed to do so.

As for Romeo Mikautadze’s position, it remains unchanged - he considers himself innocent. Regarding a plea agreement, no negotiations are currently taking place,” Beka Nemsitsveridze stated.

For information, a court hearing was held at the Tbilisi City Court in the case of Romeo Mikautadze, former Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development. At the hearing, the prosecution intended to examine evidence recorded on disks; however, this evidence was recognized as undisputed by the defense.

For reference, 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 provide for a penalty of up to 12 years of imprisonment.