Trials on Former Deputy Governor Are Underway

Mikheil Mamalashvili, Kakheti

On March 22nd, trials on Giorgi Sibashvili’s case, Kakheti region former deputy governor, started at Telavi district Court. Sibashvili is accused under 5 articles. Investigation unit blames him in the abuse of authority, illegal appropriation of state property and peculation that is punishable by imprisonment up to 11 years.

Former deputy governor was bailed by 15 000 GEL. Giorgi Sibashvili personally defended his rights at the first hearing. He solicited to the court to decline 108 out of 245 evidence against him.  According to his statement, Kakheti regional prosecutor’s office had not delivered all materials to him that contradicted the Article 83 Paragraph 8 of the Criminal Procedural Code, which states “before the defense side appears to the court for the time, the prosecutor shall provide him/her with the information and evidence they intend to present at the trial; they shall also hand copies of written evidence to the defense side.”

Judge Lubaza Duishvili announced a break to make decision, after that she stated that petition needed discussion and court sitting will be held on March 26th, at 15 p.m.