Kibar Khalvashi ( Georgian : ქიბარ ხალვაში ; born 20 May 1963) is a Georgian businessman living abroad in Germany . He is the current " Rustavi 2 " majority shareholder. Khalvashi has been placed in the list of Georgian millionaires . His company, ARTI Group, was established in 1996 and is a leading distributor of many foreign products in Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia such as Pepsi , and in particular is an exclusive distributor of Procter & Gamble products. The company as of 2019 had an annual turnover surpassing 130 million USD and 850 employees.
38-517: [REDACTED] Look up kibar in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. Kibar is a Turkish name. Notable people with this name include: Kibar Khalvashi (born 1963), Georgian businessman Kibar Tatar (born 1968), Turkish boxer Melih Kibar (1951–2005), Turkish composer Osman Kibar (born 1974), Turkish-American billionaire [REDACTED] Name list This page or section lists people that share
76-405: 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. During this period, LAZIKA (Georgian: ლაზიკა), first Georgian Infantry fighting vehicle, was also produced. It
114-595: 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. In December 2008, in the aftermath of the August 2008 war with Russia , Akhalaia
152-452: 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.” 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. In 2013,
190-412: A month later, it became known to him that the company had accumulated a debt of 70 million GEL to creditors, most of which, he claims, was during the ongoing ownership dispute. Khalvashi made a statement, which said that Rustavi 2 was in a "catastrophic" financial situation and announced that he would be selling the company. Khalvashi blamed former director Nika Gvaramia for the financial crisis faced by
228-559: A period of 23 months, Akhalaia was acquitted in several cases. But he could not leave the prison because the pretrial detention was added to other cases 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. When commenting on the acquittal, Gedevan Popkhadze,
266-637: A side, despite Khalvashi being adamant that he was apolitical and did not want any involvement in their disputes. On November 16, 2006, Khalvashi met then-president Saakashvili, who gave him an ultimatum - to surrender all his properties in order for him and his family to have a safe life - which Khalvashi refused. The next day, he was coerced into signing over shares of Rustavi 2. Soon after, on September 24, 2007, approximately 100 armed forces intruded his company, ARTI Group. They threatened his employees into signing documents for evading duties, which were nonexistent, and fined them baselessly. They were told that this
304-451: 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
342-577: The GAF [the Georgian Armed Forces ] better." 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. 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
380-531: 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 number of public statements by high-ranking Georgian officials regarding potential prosecutions against the former President and other members of
418-714: The Ministry of Internal Affairs announced Akhalaia had resigned from office. 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. From 2004 to 2005, Akhalaia served as deputy Public Defender ( Ombudsman ) under his fellow Liberty Institute activist Sozar Subari . In 2005, Akhalaia
SECTION 10
#1733085810471456-450: 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
494-561: 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
532-449: 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. 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
570-424: The channel would become successful again. After Irakli Okruashvili , former defense minister and at the time close friend of Khalvashi, accused Mikheil Saakashvili of various crimes and formed an opposition party, Khalvashi was seen as a possible funder and supporter. Khalvashi faced threats and pressures directed at his businesses and family. Officials such as Davit Kezerashvili told him that he had to choose
608-482: The company's property. At that time, large amount of food products were in storage. During the August Russo-Georgian war, the "Livo" administration appealed to give the seized products, which were due to expire in a month, to the refugees. However, the authorities feared that this would earn Khalvashi, who was already supported by many citizens, more sympathy. Thus, they closed the facilities with padlocks, took
646-426: The company. He noted that this debt was accumulated "deliberately" by those formerly in charge, who had previously taken the company from him and that the company was at the "verge of bankruptcy". Later, Khalvashi said he faced two choices, either to file for bankruptcy or try to save the company. He decided not to sell the channel and instead use all his resources to support and bring it out of debt, expressing hope that
684-413: The decision to harsh criticism. 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
722-606: The first Georgian Unmanned reconnaissance tactical aircraft, the modernized modification of the RPG-7 launcher. 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 ,
760-813: The keys and even today, the food spoils there. Khalvashi has three children with wife Nona Khalvashi. This Georgian biographical article is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Bacho Akhalaia 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 ,
798-529: 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 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
SECTION 20
#1733085810471836-500: The political opposition, with some statements being possibly perceived as direct calls for prosecution. When asked about Bachana Akhalaia during an interview, then Prime Minister's advisor Gia Khukhashvili was quoted as saying "He must be given his due for his misdeeds and unspeakable offenses" 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
874-465: The president or be involved in such schemes. He was then told that he would "regret it". Two days later, late at night on December 23, a fire destroyed the factory of the distributing company, ARTI Group, causing millions of dollars in damage. The first firetrucks that arrived did not have water access and went to refill tanks. They came back after 40 minutes and by that time, the warehouse was completely burnt down. Later, an investigation found that water
912-569: The questions about “absurd” and “idiotic” allegations voiced against him. 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. He was arrested next day. 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
950-490: The same given name or the same family name . If an internal link led you here, you may wish to change that link to point directly to the intended article. Retrieved from " https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kibar&oldid=1004825619 " Categories : Given names Surnames Hidden categories: Articles with short description Short description is different from Wikidata All set index articles Kibar Khalvashi Khalvashi
988-418: The school in his home village near Batumi using his own funds, as the school was in a deplorable condition, having collapsed as a result of a flood. The school reopened soon after. Saakashvili attempted to win the favor of the village by repainting the renovated school and accrediting the full restoration to himself. Kibar Khalvashi also owned 60 percent of a chain of supermarkets. The authorities confiscated
1026-708: The state refused to compensate the work that the company had done, which amounted to 13 million GEL. The company was released from ongoing construction projects. The capital, fixed assets, materials and equipment were taken as well, worth almost 20 million GEL per project, and were never returned, though they are still in Khalvashi's name. Despite the previous agreement, various government officials continued threatening Khalvashi and offered him solutions such as paying them $ 17 million. The companies of Khalvashi were collectively fined more than 60 million GEL, which would mean bankruptcy for most. Nevertheless, Khalvashi did not give in and
1064-562: The status of a higher education institution The Giorgi Kvinitadze Cadet Military Lyceum was opened in Kutaisi in 2010 by order of Defense Minister 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. Delta underwent significant restructuring, becoming affiliated with six scientific research institutes and
1102-415: 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
1140-458: 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
1178-445: 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
Kibar - Misplaced Pages Continue
1216-424: Was available and fuel containers and gloves were found near the center of the fire. The insurance company was under the orders of authorities to not compensate the loss. Following this, assets were frozen in Khalvashi's other companies and eventually, were illegally seized. During the 2008 elections, Khalvashi's village did not support the government and was protesting. In May 2004, Khalvashi had offered to renovate
1254-535: Was developed by the Scientific Technical Center STC Delta. 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, the production of
1292-497: 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. Akhalaia has been seen as
1330-501: Was no evidence in the case. 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 authored
1368-528: Was previously the full owner of the broadcasting company Rustavi 2 when he purchased it for $ 7 million in 2004. In December 2006, he was forced under strong pressure of the Saakashvili-led government to concede Rustavi 2 to a new owner. In July 2019, Khalvashi regained ownership of the channel after the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) published a verdict on the lawsuit in favour of Khalvashi. However,
1406-467: Was the punishment for those who were close to Okruashvili. He also had to pay $ 6 million for bailing out people close to him, whom the government was arresting for groundless reasons. Following these ambushes, he decided to settle and give up one of his companies, International Building Company (IBC). One night at 3 AM, without any prior notice, all assets were confiscated from the company and shares taken from Khalvashi and his Turkish partners. In addition,
1444-459: Was unwilling to concede his other properties. Khalvashi was in Germany, when he was told that if he returned to Georgia and supported the president during elections, he could be "reborn". His lawyer and CEOs informed him that Bacho Akhalaia had been telling them to bring him back. They told Akhalaia that they had already settled this, with Khalvashi giving up his company, and that he refused to support
#470529