Walter Butba Dismissed as Minister of Internal Affairs

SUKHUM / AQW'A —  Abkhazia's Minister of Internal Affairs, Walter Butba, has been relieved of his duties by Presidential decree, according to an announcement published on the official website of the head of state.

The decree stipulates that Major General Walter Butba will no longer serve as the Minister of Internal Affairs for the Republic of Abkhazia.

Robert Kiut has been appointed as the new head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Prior to this role, Kiut served as the head of the State Security Service, a position from which he has now been released. By presidential decree, Kiut has also been conferred the special rank of Major General of the Police.

Temur Akhiba, the first deputy head of the State Security Service, will step in as the acting chairman of the State Security Service.

Walter Butba has held the role of Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic since December 6, 2021, succeeding Dmitry Dbar in that position.