Today, neither Romeo Mikautadze nor any of his relatives or family members attended the trial, which means that not now, but already from the very initial stage of the case, they knew what verdict would be handed down in this case. Our justice system is not only blind, it is often deaf as well when it comes to hearing the position of the accused and the defense side in general—this was stated by Romeo Mikautadze's lawyer, Beka Nemsitsveradze, to journalists after the court announced the verdict.

The lawyer responded to the question of whether Romeo Mikautadze considers himself a "political prisoner" and noted that Mikautadze has never said that.

"Today, neither Romeo Mikautadze nor any of his relatives or family members attended the trial, which means that not now, but already from the very initial stage of the case, they knew what verdict would be handed down in this case. This is despite what actually followed from the case materials and what his position was regarding the charges against him. Unfortunately, our justice system is not only blind, it is often deaf in the part where it concerns hearing the position of the accused and the defense side in general. Often and mostly, it only hears the arguments—if we can call them arguments—that come from the prosecution side.

Romeo Mikautadze has never said—at least not in my hearing—that he considers himself a political prisoner. He made such a statement in his final speech [that 'his detention happened due to confrontation between clans'], but regarding this, we will probably have a conversation, and if he provides any additional clarification on this, we will inform you. I don't know anything yet; I will meet with him and talk. If he entrusts me with any information, I will pass it on.

The prosecution kept saying for months that 'he hasn't applied to us.' He [Mikautadze] did apply to the prosecution. Why a preliminary admission of guilt is necessary is incomprehensible to me. If a person concludes a plea agreement, if conditions are offered to him and he agrees, it already means that he admits and agrees to all charges, compensates the damage, etc. We had no communication with [the prosecution] at all except for the application regarding the conclusion of a plea agreement. There was no other communication beyond that.

I don't know what 'Georgian Dream' wants to achieve. What I know is that they gave us no response at all. At least, I have the impression that no one even intended to formalize a plea agreement with him. It was just a formality. The prosecution side kept saying 'let him apply to us and we will consider it,' but the fact is, he applied and no one considered it. If Romeo had agreed to a plea deal, he would have had to admit everything, but things didn't even get that far," Beka Nemsitsveradze stated.

According to the lawyer, the defense side intends to appeal to the appellate court.

"We have one month from today. We will wait for the reasoned decision. We already know in advance that this decision cannot be reasoned in any way, but after that, of course, we will apply to the appellate court," the lawyer noted.

For information: The former Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Romeo Mikautadze, was found guilty by the court on all charges presented against him—in all nine episodes.

By the decision of Tbilisi City Court Judge Nino Galustashvili, Mikautadze was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment, and he was also prohibited from holding any position in public service for a period of 2 years.

Mikautadze had property confiscated, specifically houses in Spain and Mtskheta, as well as three cars belonging to him and his spouse, and seized items. Mikautadze was also deprived of his 15% share in "Nakhiduri HPP."

Galustashvili found Mikautadze guilty of money laundering (legalization of illegal income), abuse of official authority, illegal participation in entrepreneurial activity, and exceeding official powers.

Neither Romeo Mikautadze nor his family members were present for the announcement of the verdict.

Reminder: Law enforcement arrested the former Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development on June 20, 2025.