Zviad Kharazishvili

Zviad Khazarishvili (born on March 20, 1975 in Khashuri) is a Georgian policeman and security official, who has been the focus of international attention due to his leadership of police enforcement during the 2024–2025 Georgian protests.[1] He is the head of the Special Operations Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia.[2]

Khazarishvili, also referred to as "Khareba", has been sanctioned by the United Kingdom.[3] These sanctions have been in response to "activity which amounts to a serious violation of the right of individuals not to be subjected to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment."[3] He has also been sanctioned by the United States government.[2]

In May 2024, Khazarishvili publicly admitted to "beating scum", when asked whether he would uphold the rule of law.[4]

He is reported to have been involved in a violent and eventually fatal arrest under an earlier government, in 2009, so-called Isani Flat Siege in 2017 with multiple fatalities, and also being in a command position in the so-called Gavrilov Night in 2019, where the actions of riot police left dozens of protestors severely injured.[1]

References

1. Neal, Will (18 June 2024). "Meet Zviad 'Khareba' Kharazishvili, Georgia's Alleged Minister for State Violence". Byline Times. Retrieved 13 February 2025.
2. "Concerns rise over US-sanctioned Georgian officer's role in election security measures". OC Media. 8 October 2024. Retrieved 13 February 2025.
3. "FCDO - UK Sanctions List Search - GOV.UK". search-uk-sanctions-list.service.gov.uk. Retrieved 13 February 2025.
4. "Special Tasks Department Chief Admits to Battering Targeted Protesters at anti-Agents Law Demonstrations". Civil Georgia. 18 May 2024. Retrieved 13 February 2025.