**Major Shakeup in Georgian Police Department**
Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has announced a significant reshuffling of top officials, including the transfer of regional police chiefs. This move comes after the appointment of Gela Geladze as the new Interior Minister.
The changes were made in response to the appointment of Gela Geladze, who replaced Vakhtang Gomelauri. Gomelauri was a high-ranking official with the Georgian Dream party and had held top positions for over a decade. However, he was subject to international sanctions from several countries, including the US, Ukraine, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.
**Key Changes**
Some of the key changes include:
* Vazha Siradze being appointed as the head of the Tbilisi Police Department.
* Teimuraz Kupatadze taking over as chief of the Security Police.
* Davit Kiknadze being promoted to lead the Central Criminal Police Department.
* Levan Maisuradze succeeding Siradze as Patrol Police chief.
Other notable changes include:
* Lasha Gogniashvili, who had been leading the Tbilisi Police Department, is now in charge of the Kakheti Police Department.
* Teimuraz Kalandadze has taken over as head of the Mtskheta-Mtianeti Police Department.
* Levan Kvitsiani has been appointed chief of the Kvemo Kartli Police Department.
**Reactions and Analysis**
The Ministry of Internal Affairs stated that the changes aim to strengthen and develop the system. However, critics have expressed concerns about the timing and implications of these changes.
“Given the recent sanctions on Gomelauri, it’s clear that the Georgian Dream party is trying to consolidate power and control within the police department,” said a civil society activist. “This move undermines transparency and accountability in the Ministry of Internal Affairs.”
**What’s Next?**
The new appointments and changes will likely have significant implications for the country’s internal security and law enforcement. It remains to be seen how these developments will impact Georgia’s relationships with international partners.
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