President refuses to pardon ex-official Gigi Ugulava
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Today the President of Georgia Giorgi Margvelahsvili responded to the group of well-known Georgians who submitted a letter to the President’s administration and appealed him to pardon ex-Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava.
The fifty-seven Georgian citizens, mainly famous ones for public due to their civil, cultural, literature and other activities, have stated in the appeal brought to the President’s Administration earlier today that there were "a range of violations” detected in Ugulava’s case.
Making his response the President highlighted that each citizen was equal for him and he would not make the solution that could "create too loyal attitude in public regarding such crimes Ugulava was charged for.”
Herewith, the pardon mechanism replaces neither legal procedures nor investigation and does not serve political aims.”
Pardoning is a constitution obligation that envisages huge moral and state responsibility for me.”
When carry out the human act I never make such decisions which might privilege certain inmates. I cannot make the solution that might form too loyal attitude in public over similar crimes. Therefore, I cannot meet your appeal,” the President stated.
Ugulava, one of the leading figures of the United National Movement (UNM) political party, was facing several charges for corruption, money laundering and illegal seizure of property.
The former official was acquitted on the money laundering charges.
Currently Ugulava is in custody.
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