Romeo Mikautadze’s lawyer: The first-instance verdict is unlawful and must be annulled - if the prosecution is willing to offer a plea deal, we will consider it, depending on the conditions
The lawyer of former Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Romeo Mikautadze, Beka Nemsitsveridze, stated that the defense is seeking the full annulment of the first-instance verdict in the appellate court and a full acquittal on all nine charges.
Mikautadze, who was convicted on nine separate episodes, is challenging the decision in the Court of Appeals, requesting that all charges be overturned.
According to the lawyer, the first-instance ruling is unlawful: “The first-instance verdict is unlawful in all parts and must be annulled on all nine episodes. An acquittal should be issued for Romeo Mikautadze on all charges - this is our request.”
The defense also noted that Mikautadze had expressed willingness to enter into a plea agreement, but no response had been received from the prosecution.
“Romeo Mikautadze stated in court that he is ready to admit guilt if a plea agreement is offered. We also submitted a request to the prosecution, but we have not received any response - neither positive nor negative. If the prosecution expresses readiness to conclude a plea agreement, we will consider it, depending on the conditions offered,” the lawyer said.
As a reminder, the Tbilisi City Court found Romeo Mikautadze guilty on all nine charges, including money laundering, abuse of official authority, illegal participation in entrepreneurial activity, and exceeding official powers.
Judge Nino Galustashvili sentenced him to 10 years in prison and banned him from holding public office for 2 years. The court also ordered the confiscation of property, including houses in Spain and Mtskheta, three vehicles belonging to him and his wife, seized items, and a 15% stake in the “Nakhidurhesi” hydropower plant.
Mikautadze and his family did not attend the verdict announcement.
He was detained on June 20, 2025, and the prosecution had charged him under several articles of the Criminal Code, including multiple counts of abuse of power, illegal participation in business activities, and money laundering involving particularly large amounts.
