**Former Police Officer Speaks Out Against MIA’s Handling of Protests**
A former head of Operations Planning and Management at the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs‘ Special Tasks Department has spoken out against the government’s handling of protests. Grigol Sakandelidze, who served in the MIA from 2016 to 2022, revealed key insights into the MIA’s use of police special forces during demonstrations.
**Misuse of Police Special Forces**
Sakandelidze criticized the misuse of police special forces during protests, stating that they were not properly trained for crowd control. He said that these units receive anti-terrorist training, which focuses on neutralizing or eliminating threats, rather than managing crowds. The former police officer also accused the MIA of excessive and disproportionate use of force during protests.
**Decline in U.S.-backed Training Programs**
Sakandelidze noted a decline in U.S.-backed training programs for riot police officers. He said that these programs had ceased due to unknown reasons, possibly because of the pandemic. The former police officer also accused the Deputy Minister of MIA, Merab Malania, of having a negative attitude towards cooperation with the United States.
**Leadership Behind Protest Crackdowns**
Sakandelidze criticized Zviad Kharazishvili, who he said manages the protests dispersal. He alleged that Kharazishvili has been given a free hand to appoint his own personnel, who bring in their own subordinates. Sakandelidze also accused Kharazishvili of using agents provocateurs at demonstrations.
**Advice to Protesters**
The former police officer advised demonstrators not to break into small groups during protests, but instead remain in clusters of several dozen people with a leader. He also suggested that protesters choose a central figure to coordinate their actions.
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