We will question several people from Grigol Liluashvili’s security detail; we expect them to tell the truth regarding the fact that Romeo Mikautadze was never with Grigol Liluashvili carrying the so-called 14-kg hand luggage, - this was stated by Lana Tsertsvadze, lawyer of the former head of the State Security Service (SSS), Grigol Liluashvili.

At today’s hearing, which is currently underway at the Tbilisi City Court, defence witnesses are being questioned. Specifically, employees of Liluashvili’s security will give testimony in court. According to the lawyer, these individuals will confirm the fact that every person entering the SSS was checked. As Tsertsvadze explained, the witnesses to be questioned never saw the former Deputy Minister of Economy, the convicted Romeo Mikautadze (who gave testimony against the former SSS head), with Liluashvili.

“The prosecution continues to spread disinformation about the witnesses we have presented. I can only say that the witnesses we have presented do not hold the status of defendants and are not potential defendants either; these are neutral witnesses who will confirm the objective truth that Grigol Liluashvili did not participate in any criminal activity. What is noteworthy is the part concerning how visitors accessed Grigol Liluashvili. In every case, any person was checked; therefore, at today’s court hearing the defence will try to highlight this information and question members of Liluashvili’s security. Our witnesses will confirm that, without any exception, any person was checked if they were to meet Grigol Liluashvili. In addition, we have certain information, since we previously conducted interview protocols with the said persons, that they never saw Romeo Mikautadze in Grigol Liluashvili’s office.

We will question several people from Grigol Liluashvili’s security team; we expect them to tell the truth - that Romeo Mikautadze was indeed never with Mr Grigol Liluashvili carrying the so-called 14-kg hand luggage. It is very interesting that the prosecution distorts the information, as if no checks took place. We are talking about the head of the State Security Service; it is unimaginable that, for security reasons - leaving the individual aside - for the sake of the country’s security a visitor to him would not have been controlled and checked,” Tsertsvadze stated.

She also answered the question of whether she expects testimony against Liluashvili from his deputy, Levan Akhobadze, who was arrested on charges of taking a bribe. A pre-trial hearing in Akhobadze’s case will also be held today.

“I am completely unfamiliar with the materials of Akhobadze’s criminal case. I hoped that Romeo Mikautadze would retain his dignity and would not provide false information to the court. However, driven by his own well-being, he will probably conclude a plea agreement in the near future and provided false information to the court. As for Levan Akhobadze, I only expect that he will be quite dignified and will maintain the position of not providing false information to anyone, not only regarding Grigol Liluashvili,” Tsertsvadze stated.

For reference: the former head of the State Security Service, Grigol Liluashvili, who had come for questioning at the Prosecutor’s Office, was arrested on 23 December. He is charged under Article 338, Part 2, sub-paragraph “g” and Part 3, sub-paragraph “e” of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which concerns taking a particularly large bribe by a group acting by prior agreement and provides for a prison sentence of 11 to 15 years.