**New Head of Georgia’s State Security Service Appointed**
The Georgian Dream government has appointed Anri Okhanashvili as the new head of the State Security Service, replacing Grigol Liluashvili. Okhanashvili received 79 votes in favor and no votes against in the Georgian Dream parliament. This appointment is significant because Okhanashvili has previously served as the Minister of Justice and headed the Legal Issues Committee in the Georgian Parliament.
Okhanashvili’s new role comes with some changes to the State Security Service. On April 5, he named Irakli Beraia, Gela Geladze, and Levan Kharanauli as his deputies. This appointment is seen as a move to consolidate power within the government, especially considering Okhanashvili’s history of lobbying for repressive legislation.
**Shakeup in Regional Leadership**
There have been significant changes in regional leadership over the past week. Tornike Rizhvadze resigned as Head of the local government of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara on April 4. He was followed by a surprise nomination of Sulkhan Tamazashvili, a UK-sanctioned high-ranking police officer, to take his place. This move has raised concerns about the politicization of law enforcement in Georgia.
**Opposition Leaders Face Retaliation**
Meanwhile, opposition leaders are facing retaliation from the government. On April 5, Tbilisi City Court ordered Badri Japaridze and Mamuka Khazaradze, both leaders of the opposition Lelo party, to pay bail after they refused to appear before a Georgian Dream parliamentary investigative commission.
**Election Regulations Tightened**
The Georgian Central Election Commission has approved amendments to regulations that tighten election-day procedures. Critics argue that these changes will limit media and observer access to polling stations, making it harder to detect voter fraud. Civil society groups, President Salome Zurabishvili, and opposition figures have all criticized the move.
**Physical Assaults Against Journalists**
There has been a disturbing trend of physical assaults against journalists in Georgia. On Saturday, Vato Shakarashvili and Goga Khaindrava physically assaulted Giorgi Mamniashvili, a journalist from the opposition TV channel “Mtavari TV”. This incident is not an isolated one, as on Sunday, Shakarashvili was involved in another altercation with youth activist Tatia Apriamashvili.
**Journalist Arrested**
Police have arrested Saba Sordia, a journalist for the online media outlet Indigo, accusing him of disobedience to a lawful police order. This move has sparked concerns about freedom of speech and press in Georgia.
The situation in Georgia is becoming increasingly polarized. The government’s actions seem designed to consolidate power and limit opposition voices. As the country heads towards elections, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact the electoral process.