Regarding the presence of Giorgi and Davit Mikadze at the “Tbilisi Tower” hotel, the defense has not been consistent in its position - whether Giorgi Mikadze went there but did not discuss Jangveladze’s murder, or whether he did not go there at all, Prosecutor Levan Vepkhvadze told journalists after the court hearing.

According to him, both brothers were indeed at the hotel, and after their meeting with Gela Udzilaouri, the latter began surveilling Levan Jangveladze upon his arrival in Georgia.

“The defense has its own strategy and repeatedly claims there is no evidence. Our goal is to show the court that the charges against the defendants are supported by concrete evidence. Today, we heard the closing arguments of two defense lawyers. Beyond spreading incorrect information, I can say I’m eagerly awaiting the rebuttal stage to respond to them. The defense contradicts itself on many points. They have not even decided whether the verdict against Gela Udzilaouri constitutes precedent - sometimes they say it does not concern them, other times they dispute the established facts.

The defense also tried to suggest that the prosecution provided incorrect information about Partskhaladze’s visit to the ‘Ambassador.’ At the next hearing, I will present the court record, where witness Mikheil Berdzenishvili states that Partskhaladze met Jangveladze at the ‘Ambassador’ after the Financial Police. I expected some irrelevant arguments, but not such a departure from factual circumstances. The prosecution will respond to every detail during the rebuttal.

As for the charges, they raise questions - they are qualified lawyers, but the indictment requires proper reading and understanding. It seems either they do not want to interpret it correctly or they fail to grasp certain details,” Vepkhvadze said.

Responding to a question about how the Mikadze brothers’ presence at “Tbilisi Tower” is established, the prosecutor said it is confirmed by multiple pieces of evidence.

“The defense could not clearly state whether Giorgi Mikadze was there or not. However, both brothers were at ‘Tbilisi Tower.’ This is confirmed by witness testimonies, camera inspection reports, and identification by a person who detained Giorgi Mikadze. Additional operational information and phone internet traffic data show that Giorgi Mikadze was in the vicinity of the hotel at that time. Meanwhile, Gela Udzilaouri was in Tskhreda village.

Giorgi Mikadze’s presence there confirms the exchange of information about Jangveladze’s arrival the following day. Notably, after the Mikadze brothers met with Udzilaouri, Jangveladze arrived in Georgia on February 16, and Udzilaouri began tracking him. This is crucial, because today the defense claimed the prosecution presented a chain without links - on the contrary, we presented a chain with numerous links that collectively prove the criminal act. Whether the defense understands or chooses to ignore this is another matter,” Vepkhvadze stated.

For reference, the investigation accuses brothers Giorgi and Davit Mikadze, along with Giorgi Jokhadze, of organizing the contract killing of businessman Levan Jangveladze.

Giorgi Jokhadze is also charged, along with Giorgi Kachkachashvili, with the illegal group purchase of firearms.

Gela Udzilaouri has already been convicted for the contract killing of Jangveladze and the attempted murder of Gia Chaduneli, receiving a life sentence. Sandro Tsivtsivadze has been sentenced to 8 years in prison for illegal firearm trafficking in connection with the case.

Former Chief Prosecutor Otar Partskhaladze is also charged under Article 25/109 (“n”) of the Georgian Criminal Code for organizing a contract killing for financial gain. The crime carries a sentence of 16 to 20 years or life imprisonment.

Partskhaladze, now a Russian citizen, has been placed on an international wanted list.