Former Defense Minister Juansher Burchuladze, who was convicted in a case involving the embezzlement of a large amount of funds belonging to the Ministry of Defense, may ask Mikheil Kavelashvili for a pardon.

Burchuladze’s lawyer told TV Pirveli that the former defense minister may submit a pardon request to Kavelashvili in six months.

“We rule nothing out, and, God willing, everything will probably be fine. I do not rule out that he will appeal [to Mikheil Kavelashvili]. We have not communicated with the administration yet. I don’t think he will submit it yet. A year has passed, and perhaps another six months should pass before he does so. The law does not prohibit it, so we will see. He is happy when the boys are released. Mr. Burchuladze is a very positive person. He has done so much good,” said lawyer Khatuna Khurtsilava.

For reference, in the case concerning the embezzlement of a large amount of funds belonging to the Ministry of Defense, the court of first instance sentenced Juansher Burchuladze to 10 years in prison, while Vasil Mkhеidze and Giorgi Khaindrava were each sentenced to eight years.

At the Court of Appeals, plea agreements were reached with Juansher Burchuladze and Vasil Mkhеidze based on their admission of guilt and cooperation with the investigation. Specifically, Burchuladze and Mkhеidze provided testimony in a new criminal case against former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili.

According to Burchuladze’s testimony, of the GEL 1.5 million he allegedly received as a bribe, he kept GEL 750,000 for himself and handed GEL 750,000 in cash to Irakli Garibashvili as a bribe.

Under the plea agreement, Burchuladze was sentenced to five years in prison, of which he will serve three years in a penitentiary institution, while the remaining two years will be suspended for the same probation period. He was also fined GEL 1 million.

Vasil Mkhеidze was sentenced to four years and two months in prison, of which he will serve one year and two months in a penitentiary institution, while three years will be suspended for the same probation period. He was also fined GEL 100,000.

Giorgi Khaindrava was also sentenced to four years and two months in prison, of which he will serve one year and two months in a penitentiary institution, while three years will be suspended for the same probation period. He was also fined GEL 100,000.