Kobuleti Governor Blamed in the Waste of Funds

Maka Malakmadze, Adjara

Judge at Batumi City Court Davit Mamiseishvili imposed a bail on Kobuleti governor Tengiz Zoidze as a preventive measure and freed him from the courtroom.

On July 26, officers of the Investigative Unit of the Ministry of Finance of Georgia detained Zoidze for the abuse of the power, drafting/usage of fraud tax documents and misappropriation of large amount of state funds.

Zoidze does not plead guilty and detects political motives in his accusation: “Investigation into this case will reveal some other crimes. However, judge made right decision. I hope the several days I spent in prison will remain in history and final judgment will also be positive.”

Ramin Papidze, the lawyer: “There was no necessity to arrest Tengiz Zoidze. Those formal grounds mentioned in the decision, were not properly justified by the court.”

Prosecutor blames Zoidze in the conduct of illicit state procurements that caused waste of 76 754 GEL from the state budget.

Former head of the organization for public services and amenities Emzar Jincharadze is also accused of the same crime together with Kobuleti governor. Court imposed bail of 5 000 GEL on him.

The trial lasted almost three hours at the Batumi City Court. Governor Zoidze still occupies the position. Court did not suspend his professional activities.