**New Head for Tbilisi Police Department: Controversy Surrounds Gogniashvili’s Appointment**
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has made a significant change in the leadership of the Tbilisi Police Department, appointing Lasha Gogniashvili as its new head. This move replaces Sulkhan Tamazashvili, who was recently sanctioned by the UK for alleged human rights abuses. Gogniashvili’s appointment comes with concerns about his past record on police violence.
**A History of Controversy**
Gogniashvili has a long history in law enforcement, having previously led the Guria Police Department and serving as chief of police in Kvemo Kartli region. However, his tenure in these roles was not without controversy. In 2012, he faced allegations from activists of using violence against them while serving as chief of police in Kareli. Giorgi Beruashvili, a prominent activist at the time, accused Gogniashvili and three officers of attempting to plant a weapon on him and threatening to shoot.
**Worrying Signs**
The appointment of Lasha Gogniashvili as head of the Tbilisi Police Department raises worrying signs about the lack of accountability within Georgia’s law enforcement agencies. The Ministry of Internal Affairs’ decision to promote an official with a history of police violence is concerning and may indicate a disregard for human rights.
**What’s Next?**
The new appointment comes at a time when watchdog groups are raising concerns about the use of facial recognition technology by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA). GYLA, a prominent human rights organization, has called for an investigation into the MIA’s expanding use of this technology. The public will be watching closely to see how Gogniashvili’s leadership addresses these pressing issues and upholds the principles of transparency and accountability.
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