Sanctioned police chief linked to protest crackdowns ‘resigns’

Zviad Kharazishvili, the controversial head of Georgia’s Special Tasks Department within the Ministry of Internal Affairs, has resigned from his post. The Ministry confirmed to the domestic media on Tuesday that the decision was made “voluntarily.” His successor, Roman Kartsivadze, has officially assumed the role.

Kharazishvili, widely known by the nickname “Khareba,” has been at the center of domestic and international scrutiny for his role in crackdowns on peaceful protesters related to controversial foreign transparency law and the Government's decision late last year to delay the country’s EU integration until 2028.

The US Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions on Kharazishvili last year, citing his involvement in the use of excessive force against peaceful protestors and efforts to undermine democratic institutions. Rights organizations, including Reporters Without Borders, have described him as a key figure in punitive operations against critics of the ruling Georgian Dream party.