Former Energy Minister of Georgia Davit Mirtskhulava goes on trial on November 3 over suspected corruption charges and misuse of power during his service as Energy Minister in 2000-2003.
This is the first trial of a former high-ranking official who is accused of corruption since last year?s Rose Revolution, which has resulted in the arrest of dozens of high-profile ex-officials but not a single trial so far.
Lawyer of Mirtskhulava says that the ex-Energy Minister has refused to make a deal with the investigators and re-pay funds, which he has allegedly misappropriated, because Mirtskhulava regards himself innocent.
?We will present lots of documents during the court hearing, proving that Mirtskhulava is not guilty,? said Mirtshulava’s attorney, Eka Beselia.
Mirtskhulava was arrested in December, 2003 and has spent most of his pre-trial detention time in a prison hospital, pending investigation. He was undergoing treatment after he suffered a heart attack.