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Mihail GvishianiNKVD official of the USSR and Georgia
Date of Birth: 06.01.1905
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Content:
- Mihail Maksimovich Gvishiani: A Life in Soviet Security
- Entry into the NKVD
- Role in the Deportation of Chechens and Ingush
- Post-War Career
- Controversy and Dismissal
- Post-Dismissal Life
- Family and Connections
- Awards and Recognition
Mihail Maksimovich Gvishiani: A Life in Soviet Security
Early Life and CareerMihail Maksimovich Gvishiani was born into a poor family in Georgia and had a humble upbringing. After attending a local school, he held various menial jobs before joining the Red Army in 1921. Following his service, he worked in local government and the insurance sector.
Entry into the NKVD
In 1928, Gvishiani entered the Soviet security apparatus, the OGPU, as an assistant to the operational officer of the Aghaltskhi district department. He quickly rose through the ranks, serving as assistant to the head of the Secret Police Department (GUP) in the Georgian SSR and as head of various district departments.
Role in the Deportation of Chechens and Ingush
During World War II, Gvishiani played a key role in the infamous deportation of Chechens and Ingush from their homeland. As head of the NKVD in the Primorsky Krai, he oversaw the operation, which resulted in the deaths of thousands.
Post-War Career
After the war, Gvishiani continued to hold senior positions in the MGB, the successor to the NKVD. He headed the security services in the Kuibyshev Oblast until his dismissal in 1953.
Controversy and Dismissal
Gvishiani's involvement in the deportation of the Chechens and Ingush cast a shadow over his later career. He was dismissed from the MGB in 1953 and stripped of his rank as general-lieutenant in 1954.
Post-Dismissal Life
After his dismissal from the security services, Gvishiani pursued a career in economics, working as an engineer for the Georgian SSR and the Council of Ministers.
Family and Connections
Gvishiani's son, Djermen Gvishiani, was a prominent sociologist and philosopher. His приемная daughter, Laura Kharadze, was the first wife of Yevgeny Primakov, the later Soviet Foreign Minister.
Awards and Recognition
Despite the controversy surrounding his role in the deportation, Gvishiani received numerous awards and decorations for his service, including the Order of the Red Banner and the Order of Suvorov 2nd class.
