Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, along with Minister of Internal Affairs Vakhtang Gomelauri, visited the new base of the Special Operations Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. He expressed special thanks to the department's leadership - US-sanctioned Zviad Kharazishvili, also known as Khareba, and his deputy, Mileri Lagazauri - for their service to the country.
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"The activity of the Ministry of Internal Affairs as a whole is extremely important for protecting our state interests. In this regard, the work of the Special Tasks Department is of particular significance. I would like to thank the department for its service to the country.
Special thanks go to the leadership - Zviad Kharazishvili, Mileri Lagazauri, and other officials. I thank each representative of this service, as the protection of our state interests largely depends on them," said the Prime Minister.
According to Irakli Kobakhidze, the new base has vital, well-maintained infrastructure that will support the Special Tasks Department in carrying out its activities. Minister of Internal Affairs Vakhtang Gomelauri also stated that the Ministry of Internal Affairs has purchased several new water jet machines.
On September 16, the US imposed financial sanctions on Zviad Kharazishvili, the director of the Special Tasks Department, and his deputy, Mileri Lagazauri. In a statement issued by the Treasury Department, it was revealed that during the May 28 protests, prior to the adoption of the Russian Law, forces from the Special Tasks Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs used violence against citizens who were peacefully expressing their opinions. According to the Treasury Department, Kharazishvili and Lagazauri oversaw this violence, which included the brutal beating of many participants in the non-violent protests, including opposition politicians. "Kharazishvili is well known for his punitive actions against political opponents and has been personally involved in the physical and verbal abuse of protestors," the Treasury Department noted.
Financial institutions and other entities that engage in transactions or activities with sanctioned individuals may themselves be subject to US sanctions. On October 5, Vakhtang Gomelauri stated that Kharazishvili and Lagazauri continue to receive their salaries as usual. The minister did not disclose the bank that serves the sanctioned senior officials.
