Ex-Adjarian Chief of Internal Troops Arrested

Former commander of the Batumi-based unit of the Georgia?s Internal Troops Murman Tsintsadze, who refused to obey central command and pledge loyalty to ex-Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze, was arrested.

Tsintsadze is fourth former Adjarian official arrested for disobedience to the country central government. Police also arrested Tsintsadze?s son Merab Tsintsadze, who was a chief of Adjara?s Khelvachauri district.

Roman Dumbadze, former commander of the Batumi-based 25th Brigade of the Georgian Defense Ministry, surrendered to police on May 6. He is accused of treason and faces life imprisonment.

Police also arrested former head of Adjara?s second largest town of Kobuleti Tariel Khalvashi. He was accused of violent attacks against the opposition activists and misuse of power.

In addition, court issued an arrest warrant for ex-Deputy Security Minister of Adjara Gogi Kupreishvili. He is accused of misuse of power.