Saakashvili Hails Reimbursement of Funds by Corruption Suspects

Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili hailed the activities of the General Prosecutor’s Office, regarding withdrawal of misappropriated funds from former high officials, who were arrested for corruption charges.
 
“Nobody can buy freedom. With reimbursement of stolen money they [former officials suspected in corruption] only mitigate punishment,” Mikheil Saakashvili said at a government session on April 5.

He reiterated the necessity of enforcement of the law on confiscation of illegal assets from those officials, who fail to prove that these assets were acquired legally. The Parliament adopted this law in February.

“The authorities will confiscate the illegal property of all corrupted officials, even those who are hiding now,” the President added.

Several former high officials suspected of corruption charges, have already paid 20 million Lari (approximately $10 million) to the state budget. As a result they were released from custody.  
 
“Release from custody does not mean that the General Prosecutor’s Office will drop charges against freed corruption suspects. Investigation will continue and the court will have final say,” Irakli Okruashvili, the General Prosecutor, told reporters.