Ekaterina Zguladze appointed head of Georgian MIA

Ekaterina Zguladze, who was First Deputy Interior Minister, has been presented to the post of the Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that it became known today that the Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia Bacho Akhalaya has resigned. He associated his decision with the facts of torture in Gldani Prison, which were reported by the Georgian MIA on September 18, when the video footage was released confirming facts of inhuman treatment of prisoners; then, mass protests began in Georgia.

After Bacho Akhalaya's resignation, Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili decided to appoint Zguladze to the post of the MIA head.

In her turn, Ekaterina Zguladze has promised to prevent violence in prisons and ensure that the upcoming parliamentary elections pass in a calm atmosphere, the "News-Georgia" reports.

Ms Zguladze said that the patrol police will be under full command of Georgi Tugushi, the new Minister of Correction, Probation and Legal Assistance, the "Georgia Online" writes.

Let us remind you that earlier, because of protests against torturing prisoners, Khatuna Kalmakhelidze, the former Minister of Correction, Probation and Legal Assistance, resigned. Her resignation was accepted on September 19; and on September 20 Georgi Tugushi was presented as a new Minister.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Tugushi has stressed that his main task will be to eliminate many problems in prisons. "This proposal is important for me; and it was unexpected. The penitentiary system will undergo drastic reforms; and all the prisoners will be protected," he said.