Prosecutors Seek 12-Year Jail Sentence for Ex-Energy Minister

Prosecutors sought, on March 7, twelve years of imprisonment for former Georgian Energy Minister Davit Mirtskhulava, who is accused of misuse of power while serving in office from 2000-2003.

Mirtskhulava, who denies the accusations, claims that the prosecutors have failed to prove his guilt.

His lawyer, Eka Beselia, told reporters on March 7, that Mirtskhulava refused to make a deal with prosecutors and repay the funds which he has allegedly misappropriated, unlike other ex-officials who were arrested but released after they paid certain amounts of money.

The court is expected to announce its final ruling next week.