Bacho Akhalaia Explained

Bacho Akhalaia
Birth Date:24 October 1980
Birth Place:Zugdidi, Georgian SSR, USSR
Office:Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia
Term Start:July 4, 2012
Term End:September 20, 2012
President:Mikheil Saakashvili
Predecessor:Vano Merabishvili
Successor:Ekaterine Zguladze (acting)
President1:Mikheil Saakashvili
Term Start1:August 27, 2009
Term End1:July 4, 2012
Predecessor1:Vasil Sikharulidze
Successor1:Dimitri Shashkin
Spouse:Anna Nadareishvili

Bachana "Bacho" Akhalaia (Georgian: ბაჩანა "ბაჩო" ახალაია; born October 24, 1980, in Zugdidi) is a Georgian politician who was Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia from July 4, 2012, to September 20, 2012. He had previously served as Head of Penitentiary Department of Ministry of Justice of Georgia (2005–2008) and Minister of Defense (August 27, 2009 – July 4, 2012).

On September 20, 2012, amid protests against torture and rapes in Georgian prisons, the Ministry of Internal Affairs announced Akhalaia had resigned from office.

Early career

Akhalaia graduated from the Tbilisi State University with a degree in law in 2003. From 2003 to 2004, he worked for the NGO Liberty Institute, known for his role in protests that led to the Rose Revolution in Georgia in November 2003.[1] From 2004 to 2005, Akhalaia served as deputy Public Defender (Ombudsman) under his fellow Liberty Institute activist Sozar Subari. In 2005, Akhalaia was moved to the post of Head of Penitentiary Department of Ministry of Justice of Georgia. In this capacity he led a struggle against the established system of "thieves in law" which ruled prisons in the post-Soviet country, but he was a frequent target of criticism by the opposition, some human rights groups and Public Defender Subari. In particular, he was accused of heavy-handed crackdown on Georgia's largest prison riot in 2006, in which 7 inmates died.[2]

Akhalaia has been seen as a close ally of Saakashvili and the influential Interior Minister Vano Merabishvili. His brother, Data Akhalaia, headed Department for Constitutional Security at the Interior Ministry and his father, Roland Akhalaia, was a chief prosecutor of Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region in western Georgia and the current member of the Parliament of Georgia.[2]

Minister of Defense

In December 2008, in the aftermath of the August 2008 war with Russia, Akhalaia was appointed deputy Minister of Defense. The Georgian media ran stories about Akhalaia's alleged tensions with then-Minister Vasil Sikharulidze and Chief of Joint Staff Vladimer Chachibaia. On August 27, 2009, Akhalaia replaced Sikharulidze as Minister of Defense. President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili said "much stricter hand" was needed in the military and praised Akhalaia's past achievements. The Georgian opposition subjected the decision to harsh criticism.[2] [3] Akhalaia oversaw the establishment of The State Military Scientific-Technical Center "DELTA," which resulted in significant advancements in armored personnel carriers (APCs), artillery, and various other military equipment.Akhalaia assumed the role of Minister of Defense of Georgia, prioritizing the modernization of the defense system, fostering scientific advancements within the military, and enhancing military intelligence capabilities. During his tenure, he supervised the establishment of The State Military Scientific-Technical Center "DELTA" and instigated educational reforms at both the Military Academy and Cadet Military Lyceum[4] [5] In 2010, by the decision of the Ministry of Defence, the Academy acquired the status of a Legal Entity of Public Law. The National Defense Academy also got the status of a higher education institution[6] [7] The Giorgi Kvinitadze Cadet Military Lyceum was opened in Kutaisi in 2010 by order of Defense Minister[8] [9] [10]

Military Production

Under Akhalaia's tenure as defense minister, a military production initiative was initiated, leading to the modernization of The State Military Scientific-Technical Center "DELTA" (SMSTC Delta).Delta took shape in 2010 in its current configuration.[11] Delta underwent significant restructuring, becoming affiliated with six scientific research institutes and the 31st Tbilisi Aircraft Factory. Primarily dedicated to defense-related endeavors, the organization also engages to a lesser extent in civilian industries. Operating independently from state regulatory bodies, its oversight falls under the purview of the Ministry of Defense of Georgia.During his tenure, Akhalaia facilitated the integration of key scientific institutions and companies, enhancing the capabilities and resources of STC "Delta":Scientific institutes and companies entering into STC “Delta”

In the years 2010 to 2011, the first Georgian armored carrier vehicle, Didgori, was created in two variations/modifications[14] The specifications of the Didgori armor are confidential, but it is acknowledged to offer defense against 7.62 mm armor-piercing rounds. The vehicle features a V-shaped hull, enhancing protection against landmines and IEDs, with claims suggesting it can withstand a 6 kg mine blast. The presence of an NBC protection system remains undisclosed. Developers assert that the overall protection of the vehicle surpasses STANAG 4569 Level 2 standards[15] During this period, LAZIKA (Georgian: ლაზიკა), first Georgian Infantry fighting vehicle, was also produced. It was developed by the Scientific Technical Center STC Delta.[16] During this period, there were several notable advancements in Georgia's military capabilities. In addition to the creation of the Didgori armored carrier vehicle and the LAZIKA infantry fighting vehicle, significant modernizations and innovations took place. These included the modernization of artillery systems and mortars,[17] the production of the first Georgian Unmanned reconnaissance tactical aircraft, the modernized modification of the RPG-7 launcher[18]

Leaked diplomatic cables

According to the leaked diplomatic cables, the United States and NATO diplomats also expressed concerns over Akhalaia's appointment as Minister of Defense "noting his poor human rights record" during his service as the chief of penitentiary service. However, in the October 10, 2009 confidential cable sent to Alexander Vershbow, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense, ahead of his visit to Georgia, the U.S. embassy in Tbilisi described Akhalaia as "the most active Defense Minister in terms of seeking advice" from the U.S. defense advisers and "then following through with it." He was further noted for being, unlike his predecessor, "unafraid to make decisions" and "genuinely interested in making reforms designed to make the GAF [the [[Georgian Armed Forces]]] better."[19]

Minister of Internal Affairs

On July 4, 2012, Akhalaia was appointed Minister of Internal Affairs, succeeding on this position Ivane Merabishvili, who became Prime Minister in an important cabinet reshuffle months before the scheduled parliamentary election.[20]

Arrest and conviction

After the change of power in Georgia in 2012, on November 5 he had returned back to Georgia and as he said was ready to answer all the questions about “absurd” and “idiotic” allegations voiced against him.[21] It was the same day that an investigation was initiated following his return. Prior to his arrest on the subsequent day, Akhalia publicly announced his willingness to provide answers to all questions posed to him.[21] He was arrested next day.[22] In October 2013, He was found guilty in a trial over inhuman treatment of inmates in case related to 2006 Ortachala prison riot. However, then president Mikheil Saakashvili pardoned him in November 2013.During his pretrial detention, which endured for a period of 23 months, Akhalaia was acquitted in several cases.[23] But he could not leave the prison because the pretrial detention was added to other cases[24] [25] [26] [27] [28] in 2013 The first acquittal of Akhalaia in the court was followed by sharp reactions in the ruling team, the Georgian Dream Democratic Coalition's protest was left by the People's Party Chairman Koba Davitashvili.[29] [30] [31] [32] [33] [28] When commenting on the acquittal, Gedevan Popkhadze, a member of the parliament from the ruling party, made the following comment to the media: “Whether he will be acquitted or not, Bacho Akhalaia should still be in prison.”[34] Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe (PACE) adopted a resolution criticizing Georgia, along with Turkey and Russia, for “abuse of pretrial detention, the resolution brings an example of former Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava and ex-defense minister Bacho Akhalaia.[35] [36] [37] In 2013, the Government of Georgia officially invited the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) to monitor the trials of former high-ranking officials. According to the monitoring group: "During the period of ODIHR's trial monitoring, the media reported a numberof public statements by high-ranking Georgian officials regarding potentialprosecutions against the former President and other members of the politicalopposition, with some statements being possibly perceived as direct calls forprosecution. When asked about Bachana Akhalaia during an interview, then Prime Minister's advisor Gia Khukhashvili was quoted as saying "He must begiven his due for his misdeeds and unspeakable offenses"[38]

On 22 October 2014, the Tbilisi City Court sentenced Akhalaia to 7.5 years in prison on charges of torture and abuse of official powers. He was also deprived of the right to hold office for the term of 2 years and 3 months. According to the prosecutor, on January 12, 2006, the officers of Constitutional Security Department shot three young people with an unprecedented brutality near the Navtlughi bus terminal. In order to disguise it as the special operation, these people were unfairly declared as assaulters on prison. Bachana Akhalaia, who was a high-ranking government official at that time, ordered and directly participated in severely torturing six inmates in order to get from them a favourable testimony that murdered people were planning an armed attack on prison for the purpose of a mass escape of prisoners.Regarding this case, Akhalaia's lawyer Malkhaz velijanashvili, stated that this is a completely illegal and unsubstantiated verdict, there was no evidence in the case.[39] Akhalaia was also found guilty in providing privileged prison conditions for the persons convicted on Sandro Girgvliani murder case.

On 23 April 2018, the court sentenced Akhalaia to 9 years in prison for torture, causing death of colonel Sergo Tetradze in 2011.However, Akhalaia does not agree with the court's decision even after his release following 10 years of imprisonment, labeling it politically motivated injustice.During his imprisonment, Akhalaia uthored the book 'Sokhumi-My Jerusalem'. The book delves into the dynamics of occupied territories and the prevailing socio-political situation in the country in prison he also translated several notable books, including "The Art of War" by Martin Van Creveld, "Supreme Command" by Eliot Cohen, "Why Nations Fail" by Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson, and "Crises" by Henry Kissinger. These translated works, delving into political-military discourse, were edited by Bacho Akhalaia. He also translated."Truth About the Mafia” by Judge Giovanni Falcone, Currently he is actively engaged in producing the first Georgian translation and commentary of Carl von Clausewitz's "On War.[40]

Akhalaia left prison in March 2022.He spent 9 years and 3 months in solitary confinement[41] [42] [43] He said that he did not plan to return to politics.

External links

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Notes and References

  1. http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=21399 Bacho Akhalaia – Biography
  2. http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=21398&search=Akhalaia Defense Minister Replaced
  3. https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/08/27/world/international-uk-georgia-defence-minister.html Georgia's Saakashvili Replaces Defence Minister
  4. https://www.messenger.com.ge/issues/2554_february_27_2012/2554_ernest.html
  5. https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/1890376.html
  6. https://eta.edu.ge/en
  7. http://www.saakashviliarchive.info/en/PressOffice/News?6809
  8. https://matsne.gov.ge/ka/document/view/1285778?publication=0
  9. https://matsne.gov.ge/ka/document/view/1033764?publication=0
  10. http://www.saakashviliarchive.info/en/PressOffice/News?5439
  11. https://matsne.gov.ge/ka/document/view/1191147?publication=0
  12. http://optica.ge/en/
  13. https://delta.gov.ge/Institutes
  14. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304025901/http://delta.gov.ge/file/2015/04/Didgori_STC_Delta_Production-Catalogue_01.01.2015.pdf
  15. https://www.militarytoday.com/apc/didgori.htm
  16. https://web.archive.org/web/20140819083600/http://tbilaviamsheni.ge/gallery/lazika.pdf
  17. http://www.saakashviliarchive.info/en/PressOffice/News?7377
  18. https://delta.gov.ge/Home
  19. http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=23918 Defense Minister Akhalaia and U.S.-Georgia Defense Cooperation in Leaked Cables
  20. http://civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=24965 Reshuffled Cabinet and its New Program Confirmed
  21. https://civil.ge/archives/122373
  22. https://civil.ge/archives/122381
  23. https://humanrightshouse.org/articles/ex-defense-minister-and-former-interior-minister-bacho-akhalaia-was-acquitted/
  24. https://old.newposts.ge/?newsid=52029-%E1%83%90%E1%83%AE%E1%83%90%E1%83%9A%E1%83%90%E1%83%98%E1%83%90,%20%E1%83%91%E1%83%A0%E1%83%90%E1%83%9A%E1%83%98,%20%E1%83%9C%E1%83%90%E1%83%93%E1%83%90%E1%83%A0%E1%83%94%E1%83%98%E1%83%A8%E1%83%95%E1%83%98%E1%83%9A%E1%83%98
  25. https://tabula.ge/ge/news/565530-bacho-akhalaias-gamamartlebeli-ganacheni
  26. https://civil.ge/ka/archives/152888
  27. https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/bacho-akhalaia-gaamartles/25153778.html
  28. https://jamestown.org/program/akhalaia-acquittal-causes-mini-political-earthquake-in-georgia/
  29. https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/review-of-the-week/25065721.html
  30. https://ghn.ge/news/86383-koba-davitashvili-gidasturebt-tkven-qvelani-khart-bacho-akhalaia
  31. https://georgianjournal.ge/politics/24314-koba-davitashvili-leaves-georgian-dream-and-prepares-for-elections.html
  32. http://www.humanrights.ge/index.php?a=text&pid=16922&lang=eng
  33. https://en.trend.az/scaucasus/georgia/2176455.html
  34. https://old.newposts.ge/?newsid=19735-%E1%83%92%E1%83%94%E1%83%93%E1%83%94%E1%83%95%E1%83%90%E1%83%9C%20%E1%83%A4%E1%83%9D%E1%83%A4%E1%83%AE%E1%83%90%E1%83%AB%E1%83%94%20%E1%83%91%E1%83%90%E1%83%A9%E1%83%9D%20%E1%83%90%E1%83%AE%E1%83%90%E1%83%9A%E1%83%90%E1%83%98%E1%83%90
  35. https://civil.ge/archives/124933
  36. https://pace.coe.int/en/files/22206/html
  37. https://www.messenger.com.ge/issues/3217_october_7_2014/3217_tea.html
  38. https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/6/a/130676.pdf
  39. https://kvira.ge/104919
  40. https://bachoakhalaiablog.wordpress.com/
  41. http://www.humanrights.ge/index.php?a=main&pid=15895&lang=geo
  42. https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/31729581.html
  43. https://netgazeti.ge/news/20069/