Georgia’s Ex-Infrastructure, Economy Ministers Questioned by Prosecutor's Office

Former Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development , Dimitry Kumsishvili, and former Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure, Zurab Alavidze, were questioned by the Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia (POG) regarding claims of embezzlement in the ministries.

The POG confirmed that an investigation is underway in the Ministry of Economy and Ministry of Regional Development into cases of abuse of power by specific officials and the embezzlement of large amounts of budgetary funds.

“Former Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Dimitri Kumsishvili and former Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure Zurab Alavidze were questioned in the Prosecutor's Office within the scope of the investigation of the above mentioned criminal case. The case will be investigated and information will be provided to the society,” the POG stated.

Kumsishvili left his post on June 13, 2018 when then-Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili resigned. Zurab Alavidze resigned on March 30, 2018. He was replaced by Maia Tskitishvili.

The opposition says that the ministers were questioned because they are friends of the ex-PM, who had a disagreement of opinions with the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) founder and ex-pm, billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, often referred to as Georgia's “informal ruler.”

“This is a politically motivated action…If there was corruption in the ministries, the offenders should have been punished immediately, not now, when they are no longer in power,” Giga Bokeria, from opposition party European Georgia, stated.

Alavidze said the questions from the POG referred to tenders and purchases before his appointment as minister and in the subsequent period.

“I provided the investigation with complete and comprehensive information available to me. The investigation is ongoing,” he added.

Kumsishvili stated he was questioned by the Prosecutor's Office approximately 20 days ago. 

“It was a format of questioning. They wanted me to express my view on several issues, including a case that we had sent to the Prosecutor's Office when I was minister. I gave comprehensive answers to all questions," Kumsishvili explained.

Chairman of Parliament, Irakli Kobakhidze, said he heard the information in the media. 

"It seems that law enforcement agencies have some questions and it is their prerogative. We are not able to interfere in their sphere,” he said.

By Thea Morrison

Photo source: Netgazeti