UNM’s Tsitladze claims authorities mobilising Security Police ahead of October 4

Anna Tsitlidze of the United National Movement has alleged that the Georgian Government was pressuring law enforcement structures to prepare for larger-than-expected protests during the local elections scheduled for October 4.

In a social media post, Tsitlidze claimed the authorities were concerned the riot police might not be sufficient to contain the anticipated crowds and therefore had turned to the Security Police.

“According to internal operational information, the Government is nervous about more people showing up on October 4 than they expected and is pressuring Teimuraz Kupatadze [Chair of the Security Police Department] to mobilise the Security Police. If he fails to provide a specific number of officers, he is reportedly being threatened with an operation codenamed ‘Aachen,’” Tsitlidze wrote.

She further alleged the Government had “problems and disruptions” across all major institutions - the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Defence Ministry, State Security Service, and police structures - and lacked trust even in its own special forces.

Tsitlidze questioned the meaning of the alleged “Aachen operation” and suggested the matter warranted closer scrutiny.