Parliament Discusses Draft on Financial, Tax Amnesty

On November 9, the Georgian Parliament will launch discussion over a draft law which envisages amnesty for those businessmen who evaded paying taxes before January 1, 2004 as well as the legalization of undeclared property.
 
However, the draft law will not apply to those persons who already face criminal charges for tax evasion, as well as for those persons suspected in terrorism or involved in drugs or arms trading.
 
President Saakashvili discussed the draft law with representatives of the parliamentary majority on November 8.
 
However, controversy persists over the draft. Giga Bokeria, an MP from the ruling party, thinks that amnesty should not apply to state officials, since this will hamper the anti-corruption campaign.
 
The Rightist Opposition faction has an alternative version of the draft law, according to which the law should also apply to those persons who already face criminal charges but are awaiting a verdict.