Giorgi khaindrava biography of christopher

Coup d'état bite the bullet Georgian president Zviad Gamsakhurdia

The 1991–1992 Georgian coup d'état, also famous as the Tbilisi War, point toward the Putsch of 1991–1992, was an internal military conflict delay took place in the without delay independent Republic of Georgia mass the fall of the State Union, from 22 December 1991 to 6 January 1992.

Say publicly coup, which triggered the Caucasian Civil War, pitted factions bad deal the National Guard loyal carry out PresidentZviad Gamsakhurdia against several force organizations unified at the spend of 1991 under the command of warlords Tengiz Kitovani, Jaba Ioseliani and Tengiz Sigua.

The Tbilisi War ended with representation exile of the first democratically elected president of Georgia, astern two weeks of violent strife on Rustaveli Avenue, the keep on thoroughfare of Tbilisi, mainly consisting of a siege of say publicly Georgian Parliament building, where Gamsakhurdia was isolated in a bassinet.

Following Gamsakhurdia's fall, a Force Council, led by Kitovani, Ioseliani and Sigua, took power breach Tbilisi and assured the go back of Eduard Shevardnadze, the mug Soviet Foreign Affairs Minister, happening hand over power to him. During the civil war, dignity supporters of the ousted chairman staged an unsuccessful revolt take it easy return him to power.

Shevardnadze gradually sidelined Kitovani and Ioseliani, and ruled the country unsettled he was ousted in rectitude bloodless 2003 "Rose Revolution".

In 2005, the Parliament of Colony passed a resolution denouncing rendering events of 1991–1992 as nickel-and-dime "anticonstitutional armed coup d'état".^[1] According to a 2020 poll overtake the Caucasus Research Resource Centers, 76% of Georgians think make certain the coup was harmful convoy Georgia.^[2]

Historical background

Fall of the Council Union

Following the Red Army intrusion of 1921 and Bolshevik expropriation, Georgia became part of justness Soviet Union (formed in 1922).

Despite having formally a opinion of a sovereign "union republic" (the Socialist Soviet Republic admire Georgia), nationalist feelings demanding self-determination developed in Georgia largely tier the 1970s, feelings that were repeated across the Soviet Union.^[a] Major economic and social difficulties, and repression of nationalist movements led to several protests directive Georgia, culminating with the 9 April 1989 Tragedy, when clean up protest in Tbilisi was self-conscious by the authorities, resulting ploy the death of 21 subject and the arrest of ethics main opposition leaders, including Zviad Gamsakhurdia.

The Tbilisi Tragedy, coupled affair the military failure in Afghanistan and the collapse of authority Iron Curtain that separated Curry favour with world from the Eastern Caucus led to a chain acknowledgment that saw the Baltic states declare their independence in 1990.

Soon, Soviet authorities, under burden of mass revolts, allowed multi-party elections in October 1990, which saw Round Table, the fusion led by Zviad Gamsakhurdia, prepossessing majority of seats in birth Supreme Council, culminating the flatten of 69 years long statute of Communist Party.

Ethnic Conflicts

The descent of the USSR led fall prey to a rebirth of tensions amidst certain ethnic groups across prestige Union republics, Georgia being thumb exception.

Adamon Nikhas, a politician movement in South Ossetia, under way to demand a larger self-governme from Tbilisi as early brand the later 1980s, a ask denied by the central command in November 1989. Tensions in the middle of Tbilisi and Tskhinvali rose during a declaration of sovereignty stir up South Ossetia within Soviet Unification in September 1990, following which Tbilisi retaliated by abolishing fully the Autonomous Oblast of Southerly Ossetia and dispatching a warlike faction to pacify the region.

In January 1991, the militarization be keen on the conflict divided Tskhinvali be next to two, thus launching a cultivated war that lasted until June 1992 and that lead consign to the creation of the advocate Republic of South Ossetia.^[10]

Meanwhile, Abkhazia fell in an ethnic conflict.

As early as 1989, brutal clashes between Georgian and Abkhazia nationalists forced a certain portion that extended into a "war of laws" between the legislatures of Tbilisi and of prestige Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic register Abkhazia.

Prelude

Declaration of Independence

On 9 Apr 1991, two years after ethics Tbilisi Tragedy and ten date after a largely victorious plebiscite on the subject, the Martyr Supreme Council declared the sovereignty of the country and adapted Zviad Gamsakhurdia, a famous heretic and spokesperson of Georgian chauvinism, as interim president.

The current was eventually elected president come to mind 86% of the vote unimportant an election that saw knob 83% participation rate on 26 May. Gamsakhurdia was notably even supposing the large presidential powers uninviting the Parliament, including:

• Veto power hold any law approved in Parliament;
• War declarations and power to say martial law;
• Appointment powers over probity Prime Minister, the presiding magistrate of the Supreme Court, position Prosecutor General, and the co of the armed forces;
• A integral immunity

As soon as October 1990, while Gamsakhurdia's movement was by this time in power in Tbilisi mess the de jure jurisdiction tactic the Soviet Union, the advanced government proceeded to close shipshape and bristol fashion majority of newspapers supporting primacy Communist Party.Molodyozh Gruzii, a girlhood magazine based in Tbilisi, was also closed 3 April 1991 because of Gamsakhurdia's allegations cataclysm collaboration with the KGB.

Be revealed television canceled all programming shout openly supporting Gamsakhurdia's platform countryside in December 1990, 60 human resources of the Mkhedrioni militia launched a hunger strike in riposte. The independent newspaper Iberia was violently expelled from its base in May 1991. Journalists were routinely excluded from press conferences and public television often offender its competition to be representative the service of Moscow, from way back death threats and false not right investigations were used by Tiflis against renegade news anchors.

Global press was also largely repressed.

Gamsakhurdia's presidency began with serious hostility, mainly consisting of the indispensable faction of the national publication movement, represented by the Individual Council.

Kitovani Leaves

In January 1991, Zviad Gamsakhurdia signed an managing director decree creating the National Shield of Georgia, a prelude bear out the future Georgian Army, out of the sun the jurisdiction of the different Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Suffer its head, he appointed Tengiz Kitovani, recently elected to greatness Supreme Council of Georgia write down Gamsakhurdia's party, with a employment to recruit 20,000 capable other ranks. In February, the Ministry rule Internal Affairs, while attempting commerce shut down the several personnel organizations operating throughout the native land, arrested ten members of righteousness National Democratic Party (NDP) present-day 56 members of the Mkhedrioni militia, including its leader, Jaba Ioseliani, a former criminal-turned-theater explanation, for illegal possession of probity weapons in Kakheti.^[19]

Kitovani largely collaborated with Gamsakhurdia's war in Southern Ossetia, launching several assaults meadow the regions outside of Tbilisi's control between February and June 1991.^[10] However, the situation clashing drastically during the summer get into that same year.

On 18 August, three ministers, including Central Minister Tengiz Sigua, announced their support for the opposition topmost resigned from their posts, accusative the President of becoming uncomplicated "totalitarian demagogue."^[20] Gamsakhurdia took child the helm of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Justice.^[20] An attempted putsch in Moscow the next day brought a-ok new controversy, with rumors deadly Gamsakhurdia supporting the radical produce revenue leaders going around Tbilisi, so forcing Kitovani into disagreement.^[21] Before long, the Russian news agency Interfax published an article claiming avoid the Georgian President is set to disarm the National Jelly in order to integrate shakiness within the Soviet Army, orderly claim soon denied by Tbilisi.^[22] On 23 August, Gamsakhurdia happen a presidential decree abolishing character position of commander of distinction National Guard, dismissing Kitovani, extract brought the troops entirely private the jurisdiction of the Council of Internal Affairs.^[22]

Tengiz Kitovani, negative this decision, left Tbilisi peer a force of around 15,000 armed men and set mortise lock camp in the Rkoni Fissure, around 40 kilometers north get the picture the capital.

He was soon joined by Tengiz Sigua and former Foreign Affairs Revivalist Giorgi Khoshtaria. In retaliation, Gamsakhurdia banned the Communist Party, which included 60 members of Assembly at the time.

In order relax appease the situation, Tbilisi convince the local bureau of authority KGB into a Department endowment National Security, which became copperplate Ministry a few weeks afterwards.

A National Security Council was also created, proving that Gamsakhurdia wished to see a bellicose infrastructure independent from Moscow. Quieten, none of these reforms down in the mouth Kitovani and his allies.

State of Emergency

On 2 September, description situation becomes violent when demonstrations organized by the People's Fa‡ade of Georgia and the NDP to ask for Jaba Ioseliani's freedom are attacked by MIA forces.

According to the non-government organization Human Rights Watch, decency protesters, assembled on Rustaveli Terrace, are beaten with batons, reach soldiers shoot at the mass, injuring three civilians.

Giorgi Chanturia, commander of the NDP, is forestall by law enforcement, which aggravates the tensions. Opposition staff of Parliament, student groups, bid other activists from throughout Capital demonstrate daily in September.

Misappropriation 11 September, while 27 governmental parties sign a resignation put in for for Gamsakhurdia, the latter threatens to dissolve Parliament and builds barricades on Rustaveli Avenue. Recorder Stephen F. Jones would posterior write that these provocations blank direct threats for a cosmopolitan war.

On 22 September, a working group of several dozens of protesters begin a hungerstrike in face of Parliament but are excessively dispersed by 250 presidential guards and around 200 "furies", column partisans of Gamsakhurdia.

On depiction night of 22–23 September, honesty situation falls even further affect violence when around 5,000 Gamsakhurdia supporters, led by deputy Avtandil Rtskhiladze, enter the headquarters archetypal the NDP, where they brave some 800 members of nobleness opposition.

On 24 September, Zviad Gamsakhurdia proclaims a state of predicament.

Government then begins a fresh round of attacks on blue blood the gentry press, notably when Russian correspondent Albert Kochetkov has his entourage robbed by 15 armed joe public. Tengiz Kitovani, meanwhile, promises allocate support the political opposition tell somebody to Gamsakhurdia and sends a stand by message to the members promote to the NDP through journalist Zurab Kodalashvili, who has his push confiscated by authorities.

The number invite political prisoners increases: Giorgi Khaindrava, a member of the Caucasian National Congress political party, practical arrested on 17 September, Valery Kvaratskhelia, a TV producer, rest up in prison on 2 October, and Goga Khindasheli, resident secretary of the NDP enclose Samtredia, joins them soon.

Clash the night of 21–22 Oct, eleven members of the NDP are arrested as well, magnitude Temur Zhorzholiani, leader of character Monarchist Party, is arrested rumination 15 November. They are bell imprisoned in the Ortachala Glasshouse in the south of Tbilisi.

According to opposition leaders, the civil conflict continues within the Ortachala Prison.

NDP leaders allege turn this way several riots are orchestrated keep plan the murders of assess prisoners. On 25 October, illustriousness doors of certain prison cells are left open, leading bright new riots that end recognize the intervention of a Council force that kills an strange number of prisoners.

The state faultless emergency in Tbilisi forces describe formal political activity to interrupt.

Thus, the NDP and interpretation National Independence Party, two near the last remaining active paralelling parties, suspend their activities anon after demonstrations on 3 trip 5 October.

Arrival of the Backdrop Opposition

Since the end of Sept 1991, Tbilisi is a separate disconnected city.

The Gldani, Nadzaladevi, become more intense Didube neighborhoods, as well in the same way the south and center calibre of Rustaveli Avenue (housing make buildings) remain under the martial control of Zviad Gamsakhurdia, who has started to isolate in the flesh within the Parliament building. Neighborhoods located between the Marx-Engels-Lenin Institution (29 Rustaveli Ave.) and depiction Tbilisi State University (1 Chavchavadze Ave.) are loyal to description opposition, while the Mkhedrioni fencibles uses the rest of Chavchavadze Avenue as its training vicar.

In the meantime, the neighborhoods of Vake and Saburtalo, populated by members of the Land intelligentsia, remain neutral.

At the without charge of September, Tengiz Kitovani gain to Tbilisi, accompanied by cruel of his troops, but position administration brings thousands of Gamsakhurdia supporters from rural regions be useful to Georgia.

On 25 September, Irakli Tsereteli, leader of the Public Independence Party, announces the onslaught of a civil war wedge threatening, "either we perish, steal Gamsakhurdia will."

With 1,000 to 3,000 soldiers on each side, interpretation first military fights take bloomer in October, around the improper of the public television, thoroughly the opposition attempts to make back control of the building proficient broadcast a message announcing say publicly end of the Gamsakhurdia arrangement.

Soviet authorities, still based in effect Tbilisi, use the internal confusion to sell weapons to both sides in order to exaggerate the situation.

Following the large arrests of political opponents, the decisive government wins light victories, guidance to force Kitovani and rule former National Guard troops wait a minute of Tbilisi.

They would linger in the surroundings of picture city until December. A grant return to peace allows Gamsakhurdia to ban all political parties on 5 November, before conclusiveness the newspaper Sakartvelo-Sakinphorm. The aforesaid month, cars belonging to Tedo Paatashvili and Gela Chorgolashvili, shine unsteadily opposition leaders, explode in what Helsinki Watch calls a analyt act.

On 19 December, Tengiz Kitovani offers an ultimatum to Zviad Gamsakhurdia, asking for his urgent resignation.

But the latter refuses, an act that would next be criticized by his shut up shop Minister of Foreign Affairs Murman Omanidze.^[35]

On 20 December 1991, Tengiz Kitovani returns to Tbilisi, locale he unifies his troops do faster those of the Mkhedrioni last the Merab Kostava Society reserves.

The next day, the State Union is formally abolished gain Georgia refuses to join authority Commonwealth of Independent States. Zviad Gamsakhurdia barricades himself in righteousness basement of the Parliament building.^[37]

After having arrived in the crown, Kitovani announces,^[38] "We did throng together fight [Gamsakhurdia] actively while universal opinion on the authoritarian character of his personal dictatorship wasn't clear.

So what we're say to doing is not a force coup but rather the defeat of a dictatorship with decency goal of establishing democratic order."

Combatants

Loyalists

The lack of organization also gaol governmental troops and the abandonment of a large amount doomed forces during the coup begets any attempt to estimate representation size of troops loyal conformity Zviad Gamsakhurdia difficult.^[b] At honesty onset of the conflict, goodness National Guard, which includes purely a fraction of its 15,000 original soldiers following Tengiz Kitovani's secession, contributes to the manhood of troops protecting the Legislature building, but the number decay actual National Guard members active in the conflict remains unnamed, as a large part censure the Guard remains in Southerly Ossetia during the coup.

Determine some western sources claim mid 1,000 and 2,000 combatants battle for Gamsakhurdia,^[39] the latter estimates himself having 5,000 soldiers provision his side.^[40]

Sources become blurrier bear hug the second week of honesty coup. Gia Karkarashvili, who leads the Military Council's war efforts, claims that the other overpower has no more than 250–300 men by 4 January,^[41] decide the Russian news agency Interfax reported 300–500 Zviadist soldiers goodness day before.^[42] Other Russian large quantity, meanwhile, estimate nearly 1,500 Zviadists, 60% of which being fitted out, on 5 January.^[39]

The Military Conclave, which represents the opposition, self-confessed alleged during the conflict that decency majority of pro-Gamsakhurdia soldiers were 18 or 19 years in the neighbourhood and were coerced into fighting.^[39] According to the Council, thither was only a very little group of armed fighters alliance to the government's OMON, calligraphic special, highly trained branch cancel out the National Guard.^[39] Some dispense those who fought on Gamsakhurdia's side were reportedly devoted someone followers of his dressed back black, known as "furies" evaluator the "Black Pantyhose Battalion".^[43][44] Shipshape and bristol fashion youth militia from the himalayan region of Svaneti, nicknamed "Lemi" (ლემი, or "Lion" in Svan) also fought for the president.^[44]

The participation of foreign mercenaries glimmer a controversial subject, denied unreceptive Gamsakhurdia supporters.

However, during calligraphic 4 January press conference afford the Military Council, the make public condemns the use of Russian mercenaries sent by Ichkeria Chairperson and close Gamsakhurdia ally Dzhokhar Dudayev.^[41]Jaba Ioseliani, leader of high-mindedness Mkhedrioni militia, states then dump "Jokhar Dudaiev's position is bad and misplaced, but hope relic that this quid pro quo can be fixed.^[41]" On 5 January, four Ukrainian mercenaries undoubtedly working as snipers for say publicly government are detained by position opposition.^[45]

Opposition

The majority of opposition fortification come from rebel factions be in possession of the National Guard that followed Tengiz Kitovani during his Noble 1991 mutiny.^[46] However, while lever estimated 15,000 to 20,000 human resources of the Guard pledged fealty to the opposition's struggle, nonpareil a small part of these combatants participated in the Capital battle, while the other private soldiers remain in South Ossetia denote Abkhazia fighting in the 1991–1992 South Ossetia War.

Jaba Ioseliani commands a militia of 600^[47] to 5,000^[48] ultra-conservative soldiers wind operate under the Mkhedrioni run of the mill. This militia remains under rectitude direct leadership of Ioseliani, uniform after the opposition's unification sustenance the 2 January 1992 advertisement of the Military Council, endure it is this militia wind would cause the 3 Jan massacre.

The Merab Kostava Fellowship, which was organized as uncut political movement in 1990 earlier becoming an armed militia straight-talking by Vazha Adamia, joined prestige rebel National Guard as steady as 20 December 1991.^[47]

Starting repair 22 December, Tetri Artsivi (თეთრი არწივი, or "White Eagle"), trim paramilitary group of around 80 men led by warlord Fto Karkarashvili and operating in picture South Ossetia war, leaves Tskhinvali to assist the opposition.

That militia would be used stick to put siege on Tbilisi obscure block all routes leading dissertation the capital. Karkarashvili would closest become one of the maintain figures in the Military Assembly, before taking the post deal in Minister of Defense during prestige Abkhazia War.^[50]

The Union of Afghans, a militia made of veterans from the Soviet invasion tactic Afghanistan and which had remained neutral during the first reasoning of the coup, hesitates incorrect joining the pro-Gamsakhurdia coalition condescension first.

However, following the snare of Nodar Giorgadze, head interrupt the militia and Deputy Ecclesiastic of Defense, rumors about consummate execution in the presidential crib lead to the Union officially joining arms with the opposition.^[44]

Russian involvement

According to historian and commence Gamsakhurdia ally Leila Tsomaia, not far from is a controversial theory star as the beginning of the disagreement.

Zviad Gamsakhurdia, according to that version, may have had 07:00 on 22 December fall prey to contact Boris Yeltsin and promise Georgia's membership into the Land of Independent States. Gamsakhurdia's proscription to do so would hold been what jump-started the state of war. This version is confirmed toddler the President, who accused Yeltsin of being behind the coup.^[52] On 3 January, he constant his accusations and nicknames significance coup the "Kremlin's Putsch."^[44]

During significance conflict, accusations of Russian function to one side or regarding were regularly made by both the President and the claimant.

Thus, Gamsakhurdia complained from contents his bunker that units staff the Soviet Army "are watchword a long way assisting the legitimately-elected President obscure, instead, are providing substantial edifying to the bandits of excellence opposition."^[52] On the other ability, Jaba Ioseliani accused Gamsakhurdia doomed being too close to Indigen intelligence services, claiming that triad ministers (Foreign Affairs Minister Murman Omanidze, Internal Affairs Minister Dilar Khabuliani, and Technical Resources Clergywoman Igor Chkheidze) were KGB agents.^[38] Despite these allegations, Yuri Grekov, First Vice-Commander of the Force District of Transcaucasia of integrity Soviet Army, denied any State involvement in the conflict,^[53] piece striking an agreement on righteousness Soviet troops' remaining in Sakartvelo after Gamsakhurdia's departure.^[38]

In December 1992, nearly eleven months after birth end of the conflict, Moskovskiye Novosti published a letter put on the back burner Colonel-General Sufian Bepayev, who was then the vice-commander of rectitude Transcaucasian Military District of excellence Red Army, who claimed infer have brought logistical and warlike help to the opposition imaginative on 28 December.

According anticipate that letter, lacking the intervention of the Russian soldiers, "Gamsakhurdia supporters would have had swell guaranteed victory." This version snare the facts revealed also play down involvement by Russian soldiers all along the battle around the Discovery Tower of Tbilisi.^[54]

However, another speculation was provided by Greek planner Spyros Demetriou, who revealed quick-witted a 2002 study the great implication of Soviet forces show the civil war.

Shortly care for Gamsakhurdia's election in 1990, Moscow authorities authorized a covert collaboration of introducing a large weapon of undocumented weapons into Colony through Armenia and Azerbaijan, used to be distributed among the distinct paramilitary groups set up overtake Georgian nationalists. As soon by reason of early 1991, large caches detect AK-47s and Makarov PMs were introduced on the Vaziani Heroic Base and into the Russian stations of the DOSAAF.

Digit Georgian, three Ossetian, and team a few Abkhaz militias were thus armlike before the beginning of nobleness civil war.

During the coup upturn, Sufian Bepayev may have on condition that weapons and armed vehicles harangue both sides. According to any sources, he may have in motion by offering free weapons dispute the beginning of the accomplishment, before starting to sell them: $200 to $300 per AK-47, $800 per Makarov PM, sports ground $5,000 to $8,000 per furnished vehicle.

According to the Martyr Defense Foundation, the National Include received, between 21 December 1991 and 6 January 1992, just about 200 AK-47s, 50 RPG-7s, unite SVD Dragunov rifles, and Cardinal Makarov PMs. Following the Combatant Council's victory, a special host of the National Guard was formed on 10 January stream was entirely equipped by Slavonic military bases.

Some analyze this weapons distribution scheme to be honesty natural result of the want of order among remaining Country armies after the downfall unredeemed the USSR, given the hard economic conditions of the Chain and the corruption of dignified military officials.

However, Demetriou leak out another theory on the distributed support from the Russians:

In diadem attempt to define and gadget foreign policy objectives in justness post-Soviet sphere, Russian President Boris Yeltsin clashed with the prerogatives of conservative and hard-line federal and military actors. In Colony, these disputes manifested themselves false a duality of policy regard the conflicts.

Yeltsin favored well-ordered process of dialogue, negotiation, be first co-operation with the Georgian governance. Russian military leaders, however, believed the preservation of Russian heroic influence and strategic assets draw out the geostrategically important Caucasus monkey a primary goal to ability attained even at the consuming of Georgian independence and drink whatever means possible.

As top-hole result, the Russian military conducted its own ‘foreign policy’ break down Georgia. The goal of that ‘foreign policy’ was to chip Georgia’s rejection of any ropes with Russia, such as private the CIS. The means were destabilization and the creation capture a situation in which salient and long-term Russian assistance (in the form of troops person in charge installations) would be required.

Offspring fueling belligerents on all sides of the conflicts with weapons and other matériel, Russian brave leaders accomplished both of these objectives.

The Conflict

The First Day

As anon as Kitovani arrives in Capital, battle plans are put get tangled place. While the National Caretaker and government leaders fortify living soul within the Parliament building, Tengiz Sigua takes over the Capital Hotel on Rustaveli Avenue, incomplete than 250 meters away newcomer disabuse of Parliament, designating the building rightfully the opposition's military headquarters.^[59] Tenderness 21 December, Otar Litanishvili, top-notch commander of the Mkhedrioni, brings a detailed map of illustriousness capital within the HQ captain military leaders plan the draw away attacks.

Tengiz Kitovani takes chance of the upcoming assault come Parliament, being the most aware of the building's infrastructure, spread his time as head gradient the National Guard.

The opposition's base are largely made on description night of 21–22 December. Giorgi Arveladze, a Mkhedrioni officer (and future Minister of the Economy), is sent to inspect say publicly surroundings of Parliament to declare the location of governmental throng and soon, Rustaveli Avenue crack blocked from the public, momentous both sides using buses shaft armed vehicles to isolate position most popular street of Capital.

Around 01:00, Gia Karkarashvili, who leads a militia of encompassing 80 men known as Tetri Artsivi ("White Eagle"), leaves post in Tskhinvali, where good taste is defending the Georgian neighborhoods of the city during illustriousness South Ossetian conflict, and sets up barricades on the principal highway leading to Tbilisi exaggerate the north, in order make longer avoid any access to depiction capital, before leaving his lower ranks in the outpost while transfer weapons to the opposition.

Sovereignty militia is armed with 50 AK-47s, 3 AKS74s, 20 AKS-74Us, and 50 cases of grenades.

The morning of 22 December, according to the witness testimony star as former deputy Sandro Bregadze, Sigua orders his personal guard, dripping by former Soviet secret work officer Murtaz Shaluahsvili, to rebel itself in Alexandrov Park (today known as the April 9 Park), in order to refine the Parliament.

With just depiction Kashveti Church serving as straighten up buffer between both camps, control authorities send Mayor Tamaz Vashadze of Tbilisi and deputy Avtandil Rtskhiladze on a negotiation program one last time before position beginning of the hostilities, however the two are kidnapped saturate Sigua's forces.

Around 07:30, Murtaz Shualashvili orders the first fire admit Parliament and Karkarashvili launches cardinal rockets on the Parliament shop, inaugurating two weeks of bestiality.

According to a New Dynasty Times report, the opposition refuses to accept any responsibility revive the first attack.^[62] Throughout 22 December, both sides use rockets, grenades, and automatic weapons elect fight each other.^[62] The Kashveti Church, which houses opposition rank and file, becomes a target of deliberative forces.^[63] The Gamsakhurdia household, nicknamed "Colchis Bell", catches fire, nevertheless the family, under governmental safeguard during the coup, remains safe.^[41]

The Parliament building is entirely singular, notably because of the above-mentioned cut of all communication cables leading to and from Gamsakhurdia's bunker, a cut that was ordered by the President fastidious few months before under depiction advice of his National Protection Adviser, Otar Khatiashvili.

Khatiashvili joins the opposition on the cap day of fighting, while Conjunction Minister Phelix Tkebuchava, stays officially inside the government but collaborates with coup leaders by biting the phone lines of Parliament.

Throughout the day, rebels managed goslow enter Parliament twice, but lawmaking forces push back both days, before asking for a negotiation.^[62] The latter soon fails tell the battle starts anew, onetime Sigua contacts Gamsakhurdia and warns him, "Your faults will battle-cry happen any longer.

You be required to have resigned a long period ago. Now, you better smash down out with a white tire or we will take anxiety of everyone."

Besik Kutateladze, rectitude deputy minister of Defense, court case sent by Zviad Gamsakhurdia suck up to negotiate again with the applicant, but he betrays the Boss, joins the opposition and begets a televised declaration asking Gamsakhurdia to resign and to hard a new Parliament punish yell guilty parties behind the physical force.

Kutateladze then takes a whirlybird and is sent by Sigua and Tengiz Kitovani to Zugdidi, in western Georgia, to pitch the formation of pro-Gamsakhurdia put back together. Tamaz Ninua, deputy Foreign Dealings Minister, also joins the opposition.

During the afternoon, Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of the Georgian Orthodox Religion, makes an appearance on Rustaveli Avenue, asking both sides stop by agree on peace, while leftover neutral during the conflict, spiffy tidy up position that would later befit criticized heavily by some Gamsakhurdia supporters.

During the evening, Gamsakhurdia, remaining in his bunker become accustomed his family, addressed the homeland, pretending that his forces locked away defeated opposition troops and pledging to not resign.^[62] Between sevener and 17 people are deal with during the first day promote to battle.^[62]

Escalation and International Reactions

The instability intensifies on 23 December meanwhile a new direct assault be against the Parliament, organized in rectitude morning but rebuffed by blue blood the gentry National Guard.^[65] During the light of day, the presidential plane is captive from one side of rank Novo Alexeyevka Airport of Tiflis to another, leading to rumors about a potential departure comprehensive Gamsakhurdia; these rumors are, subdue, denied by the government, which assures that the move disintegration made for security purposes, duration announcing a dubious advantage manipulate opposition soldiers.^[65] The airport near TV and radio stations move backward and forward temporarily closed.^[65]Russian TV, meanwhile, provides footage of vehicles armed revamp rocket launchers pointed at interpretation Parliament building, before the go over of a second attack bite the bullet the structure, led by Tengiz Sigua himself, who predicts archetypal imminent victory.^[62]

The second attack leader 23 December results in top-notch temporary victory of the statesmanly forces, but the Art Museum of Georgia, across the roadway from the Parliament, catches fire.^[62] The Russian press agency TASS writes about the event turn this way several people are stuck centre the museum with no shyness out, while fire brigades keep no access because of honourableness opposition blockade on the street.^[62] Gamsakhurdia recalls the remaining capabilities of his National Guard include Tbilisi in order to venture a breach through the opposition's barricades outside the city, so putting an end to harebrained large Georgian military presence pulse South Ossetia.^[65]

According to unblended New York Times report foreign Tbilisi, violence increases on 24 December and, while the sounds of missiles thrown against Congress and the Television Tower faultless Tbilisi (two kilometers west center Rustaveli Avenue) are heard cut the center of the equipment, the worsening of the under attack leads the U.S.

State Fork to publish America's first comeback on the Georgian civil war:^[66]

We find that President Gamsakhurdia's note on commitment to democratic customary and internationally recognized human call is poor. Political and attention to detail disputes should be resolved mild and in a manner agreeing with internationally recognized human aboveboard principles.

We've called on both the Georgian government and distinction opposition to observe these average in resolving their dispute.

This spotlight from the George H. Unshielded. Bush administration remains controversial in the middle of Zviad Gamsakhurdia supports up hurt this day. Moreover, the replicate of international recognition of Georgia's independence during the coup, alternatively of during the Gamsakhurdia rudder, will be criticized by Freakish Affairs Minister Murman Omanidze.

Definitely, the United States, Canada, deliver Iran recognize Georgia on 25 December, followed by Brazil, Country, Thailand, and India on 26 December, Vietnam, Belarus, Egypt, Algerie, and China on 27 Dec, Jordan and Croatia on 28 December, Lebanon on 30 Dec, and Pakistan on 31 Dec. During this period, Omanidze not bad in Moscow to try ahead negotiate help from Russian the man Boris Yeltsin, but the get water on refused to meet the Caucasian official, citing human rights violations in South Ossetia.^[68]

While increasing high-mindedness blockade around Tbilisi, Tengiz Sigua and Tengiz Kitovani offer trim peace proposal to Gamsakhurdia go to work 24 December.

The plan offers to treat members of control with safe conduct in interchange of the immediate resignation custom the President, an offer refused by the head of state.^[65] At the end of goodness day, some international reports putative the number of dead halfway 23 and 50 Georgians significant 168 to 200 injured.

State television shows footage of civilians evacuating the bodies of fatalities during the evening.^[65] On 25 December, the number of deceased grows to 30–80 victims, according to US media.^[68]

The New Year

The most severe battle of honourableness coup d'état takes place troop 27 December when Tengiz Kitovani's troops penetrate inside the Congress and put fire to probity first floor of the goods with gasoline.^[69] The Health Bureau announces after during an cross-examine with The New York Times that, "we have no notion what's happening, except for ethics fact that there are shootings around Parliament.^[69]" However, this doesn't prevent Human Rights Watch, smart US-based NGO, from publishing effect official report the same submit formally accusing the Zviad Gamsakhurdia government of human rights violations.^[70]

The 18-page report becomes the one and only source of information on distinction Gamsakhurdia presidency among many woo circles.^[70] The publication decries representation political persecutions of the create against the opposition, the arrests of Mkhedrioni members, the traditional strife in South Ossetia, be proof against stops its narrative on 22 November 1991.

During a contain conference, representatives from HRW declared that they were "not delicate a position to evaluate say publicly commitment toward human rights hold the disorganized opposition.^[70]" Rachel Denber, the main author of goodness report, acknowledges the militarization pointer the opposition during a U.S. interview, while underlining the occurrence that "a good portion love the opposition remains dedicated go on parade fundamental rights.^[70]"

On 28 Dec, it becomes clear that state forces have lost all avert outside of the presidential fortification and Tengiz Kitovani, followed through a Mkhedrioni detachment, captures rendering former Soviet office of high-mindedness KGB in the Gldani part, where several opposition leaders shape imprisoned.^[71] Eight prisoners are undisputed and brought to Rustaveli Roadway to encourage fighters, including Giorgi Chanturia, Giorgi Khaindrava, and honourableness titular head of the Mkhedrioni, Jaba Ioseliani.^[71] The latter takes back his control over decency militia and Chanturia announces put off the civil war must store until the resignation of Gamsakhurdia.^[71] On their way, the Kitovani troops burn down several expertness of strategic importance, including glory National Bank of Georgia instruction the Ministry of Internal Affairs,^[71] leading to the destruction surrounding nearly 210,000 documents (or 80% of the entirety) of deliberative archives from the Soviet era.^[72]

At the end of 28 Dec, the number of dead abstruse risen to at least 42, and 260 injured.^[71] On 31 December, Nodar Giorgadze, deputy Track of Defense and leader appreciate a militia made up tactic veterans from the Afghanistan Clash, publicly asks for Gamsakhurdia's giving up, leading to his arrest.

Smartness is soon joined by Murman Omanidze, the Foreign Affairs Pastor and one of Gamsakhurdia's nearest advisers, following his failed negotiating trip to Russia.^[73]

A Military Council

On 1 January 1992, opposition prop capture the Broadcasting Tower delightful Tbilisi, allowing them to consideration televised messages.^[74] On 2 Jan 1992, opposition leaders, assembled in jail the Academy of Sciences,^[41] proclaimed the establishment of a Militaristic Council.^[75] The Council becomes greatness only government recognized by human resources of the opposition and Zviad Gamsakhurdia becomes an usurper make a way into the eyes of many.^[who?] In the long run b for a long time the complete makeup of character Council's administration is never thought public, Tengiz Kitovani and Jaba Ioseliani proclaim themselves Council select few, while nominating Tengiz Sigua rightfully head of government and Capital Minister and the Parliament decline dissolved.^[77]Aleksandre Chikvaidze, the Russian diplomat to the Netherlands, is fitted Foreign Affairs Minister,^[78] former Council military commissar Levan Sharashenidze go over named Minister of Defense, captivated Vakhtang Razmadze becomes the Principal Prosecutor.^[80] Theoretically, the Gamsakhurdia governance remains the only legitimate oppose recognized by major foreign wits, but it isn't clear which government is recognized by Laos, Ethiopia, and Iraq, which accept Georgian independence the day innumerable the Council's creation.

Kitovani and Ioseliani sign together all the junta's decrees,^[81][82] including a first canon deposing the Gamsakhurdia cabinet, previously abolishing the Constitution in uncluttered second decree.^[75] By ordering much moves, opposition leaders claimed take want to restore the proof Democratic Republic of Georgia's 1921 Constitution, but this restoration option only happen in late Feb and the country operates do up the junta's unilateral control reawaken a month.^[82] In order knock off convince the civilian population hark back to the opposition's democratic intentions, rank Military Council announces the chronicle of a consultative assembly strenuous of political and intellectual tally ("open to all, except Zviad Gamsakhurdia"^[47]) to represent political parties, ethnic minorities, and the highbrows.

A curfew is established interpretation same day by the party across Tbilisi, prohibiting anyone cause the collapse of leaving their homes from 23:00 to 06:00.^[75] Zviad Gamsakhurdia, whose troops consist of a open-minded a few hundred guards suffer this point, asks, from fillet bunker, the Georgian people check ignore the Military Council's decrees and to follow only "the Constitution, the laws of high-mindedness Republic and those of neat democratically-elected government," while asking in the direction of a hunger strike and contradictory to resign.^[75]

The main battle scale 2 January takes place past the evening when, around 18:00, governmental troops attack with sign fire the Iveria Hotel, possessed by the opposition and sallow than one kilometer north medium the Parliament building and which includes a Red Cross importance.

The opposition retaliates from rank Academy of Arts building, beseeching to a fierce battle style Rustaveli Avenue until 22:00. Fail to see the end of 2 Jan, Gamsakhurdia's Health Ministry counted marvellous total of 73 dead gleam 400 injured since the dawn of the conflict.^[75]Gia Karkarashvili assessment named military governor of Tiflis by the Military Council.^[77]

While Tiflis falls into chaos, the pizzazz of Georgia (except for Southeast Ossetia) remains more or affectionate calm during the first period of the conflict.

However, rectitude events affected some rural zones in January 1992. Thus, make your mind up Georgian television falls under paralelling control on 1 January,^[74] tumult programming is stopped in affaire de coeur Georgia, which had remained faithful to Gamsakhurdia, thanks to honesty capture of the broadcasting spread of Kutaisi by Zviadists.^[45] Interject the same manner, while fastidious majority of the country chicago receiving newspapers following the cessation of printers in Tbilisi as the coup, western Georgia keeps its pro-Gamsakhurdia newspapers thanks disregard the printers of Kutaisi.^[45]

On 4 January, Zviad Gamsakhurdia signs straight decree from his bunker requiring all municipal and regional governments outside of Tbilisi to unbalance a large-scale mobilization of crowd against the opposition,^[83] an reality described by some^[who?] as smart call for guerrilla warfare.^[84] That order requires the mobilization monitor take place until 7 January^[47] and mandates the local governments to open mobilization centers disobey welcome all military conscripts, ageold 20 to 45 years old.^[85] Local authorities are also way in the obligation to organize carry for this theoretical army.^[85] Notwithstanding, without a National Guard, that decree cannot be enforced.^[47]

In return, the Military Council announces birth abolition of local governments famous declares its intent to cheap and nasty local governors loyal to justness opposition.^[84] According to an recital by the Council, the largest part of local government centers hew down into the junta's control shy 18:30 on 4 January.^[84] On the other hand, the country still includes humdrum cities loyal to the President; a gun battle takes brace at the Rustavi City Porch, 25 kilometers south of class capital, between the local authority and Military Council troops, object 5 January.^[86] No injury job reported from this battle.^[86]

Repressing Demonstrations

On 3 January, it becomes convincing that the Gamsakhurdia government has no longer enough forces watch over defeat the opposition.^[75] However, authority Western press questions the clarity of the opposition, notably owing to of the bunker's advantageous way of walking, but also because of depiction lack of any decisive authority by either side.^[75]Ashot Manucharyan, State-run Security Adviser to Armenian Presidentship Levon Ter-Petrosian, arrives in Tiflis the same day in prime to broker a peace mid the adversaries and convince them to sign a peace agreement; however, Gamsakhurdia is offended saturate the meeting between the Ethnos delegation and the opposition.^[87]

Zviad Gamsakhurdia states his last theatre sides from his bunker in say publicly morning:^[87]

While we have almost accomplished the true independence of dignity republic and her recognition enthralled the world's powers, a hardly traitors of our homeland try attempting to threaten our autonomy by creating a Military Synod, in the same nature though the revolutionary committee of Feb 1921.

Today, our nation's discretion is to be decided. Funny ask everyone to rise accost defend the homeland, to free from blame the future of our breed. The entire population of fade out republic has to come compel to the defense of its position and democratically-elected government. The state is in entire control pick up the tab the situation and continues chance on direct the republic's infrastructure.

Phenomenon have overcome many obstacles pleasure the road to independence. Miracle believe that now as mutate, the Georgian people shall worst the current situation with favor. I ask you to suit defense committees and to restrain the decisions of the Soldierly Council. I ask you augment organize large demonstrations, many strikes, and other acts of non-military disobedience.

While the Military Council known a new decree forbidding shout protestations,^[75] an assembly of 3,000^[75] to 4,000^[88] Gamsakhurdia supporters sad a demonstration around 12:00 gyrate 3 January, starting from dexterous railway station several miles free yourself of the battlefield.^[75] The protesters, together with mainly middle-aged men and cadre, carry the President's portrait, exhaustively chanting his name ("Zviadi!") added walking toward Rustaveli Avenue.

After just 15 minutes,^[75] a car transporting disguised men of the Mkhedrioni throws smoke bombs on the press, which only angers and energizes it, while encouraging applause deseed civilians on their balconies.^[88] On the contrary a group of eight acquiesce ten masked men wearing spectacles to hide their identities, twist a line in front medium the demonstrators and start sensitive blanks to disperse the crowd.^[75] A few instants later, authentic bullets are fired at depiction protesters, who disperse violently from way back some take refuge behind cars.^[75] Two protesters are immediately glue and several are injured, as well as two more who would give way a few days later.^[75]

The yarn of 3 January increase depiction rhetoric between both sides.

Jaba Ioseliani announces during a fathom conference that the decision round the corner violently disperse the demonstration came directly from the Military Senate, due to the junta's directive banishing all demonstrations.^[75] He named the massacre "normal" and imperilled to repeat the orders in case Tbilisi residents continued to ract the Council's decrees, while apologizing to four journalists who challenging their equipment confiscated by candidate forces.^[88] Ioseliani accuses the favoured OMON forces of Gamsakhurdia remove having provoked the Mkhedrioni soldiers.^[89]

Zviad Gamsakhurdia compared, during an interrogate with British TV station Blurry News, the Military Council philosopher "terrorists and criminals" on 4 January.^[90] During that same question period, he refused a new ahead of you to negotiate his resignation cop the opposition and compared integrity shooting to the January 1991 events in Lithuania, when State troops shot and killed a handful protesters fighting for independence.^[91]

Pleasing 18:00,^[44] Sigua announces on flock an ultimatum to the Presidency, giving him until 08:00 magnanimity next morning to resign.^[77] Character Military Council temporarily ceases fire^[85] and blocks all access retain the Parliament building, except meant for the street behind the construction in order to allow Gamsakhurdia soldiers to leave the battlefield.^[42] The President refuses the defy while offering a compromise: clever serious limitation on executive wits, a referendum on the energy of the President's position,^[42] goodness restoration of South Ossetian democracy, a return of Meskhetian Turks exiled in Central Asia because the 1940s, the liberation pale political prisoners, and membership devour the Commonwealth of Independent States.^[44] This offer is refused get ahead of the opposition, following which Gamsakhurdia declares,^[52]

I have tried several ancient to put an end give a lift the killing, but it seems impossible to discuss with righteousness opposition, as it is solitary a gang of criminals.

Say publicly only thing left to excel is to fight, fight, elitist again, fight. Of course, directly is not an easy mould to accomplish, but a calm solution is only possible allowing the Georgian society mobilizes strike, and the latter remains sincere at the moment. I split that we can defeat goodness rebellion with our military functioning, but it will take time.

Gamsakhurdia's refusal leads to tensions basically the bunker, escalating when several parties cause a violent argue due to a disagreement fear the follow-up strategy.

After shots are fired within the enclosure, a large part of blue blood the gentry fighters leaves the Parliament building^[83] and, by 20:00, only Cardinal guards protect the government.^[92] Followers false rumors on the executions of Nodar Giorgadze and Jemal Koteliani, two members of goodness government imprisoned in the cradle bin by Gamsakhurdia, the Military Congress draws up plans to engender a new attack against decency Parliament.^[44]

Last Battles

On 4 January, ultimately Jaba Ioseliani announces a dispose to abolish the presidency explode institute a parliamentary system bland Georgia,^[47] the Ministry of Citizen Affairs and the Prosecutor General's Office pledge allegiance to primacy Military Council.^[93] In response, legislative forces attack the Prosecutor's occupation, injuring two but failing tenor occupy the building.^[74] Another grapple with takes place during the shade when pro-Gamsakhurdia troops attempt interrupt take over the television society tower with grenade-launchers, but fade to win this fight likewise well.^[94] These skirmishes, however, extract place while the opposition manages to block all radio transmissions coming from the bunker at an earlier time ceases fire on the Council building to allow troops cause problems flee from the bunker.^[93]

Another token of around 2,000 Gamsakhurdia supporters^[74] takes place on 5 Jan, during which protesters listen swap over speeches in favor of influence President, before advancing in justness street changing the head drug state's name.^[90] While rumors pattern masked men approaching in cars create tensions within the working group, the demonstration takes place amiable and disperses itself naturally lining a few hours.^[90]

The same leg up, the last fighting between interpretation Military Council's forces and those of Gamsakhurdia take place.

Measurement the residents leave massively greatness center of Tbilisi,^[90] Tengiz Kitovani wins a new fight formerly the Zulabashvili Brothers Street,^[90] ultimate the Parliament building, finalizing honesty surrounding of the last control stronghold. Tengiz Sigua, meanwhile, announces publicly that one of climax biggest critiques toward Gamsakhurdia in your right mind the latter's hostility toward Russia^[91] and predicts that Georgia testament choice rejoin the Commonwealth of Unrestricted States once Gamsakhurdia is gone.^[70] On 5 January, Russian making Postfactum publishes an interview involve an anonymous presidential guard go wool-gathering accuses the President of receipt forbidden any escape of king troops, threatening any soldier attempting to flee with execution.^[39]

Loyalist crowd attempt one last time close take on the Broadcasting Belfry of Tbilisi.^[91] At 20:12, excellence Military Council launches a after everything else violent attack on the Diet building, isolating Zviad Gamsakhurdia.

Nobleness latter receives then an protection offer from the Armenian Conductor via telegram.^[95]Richard Hovannisian, Caucasian Record professor at UCLA, states at that time that "at this point, incredulity have no idea where Martyr voters stand.^[70]"

At the grasp of 5 January, at littlest 90 dead and 700 sting are recorded by the The pulpit of Health,^[91] while the Noncombatant Council insists that the circulation of victims goes as buzz as 200 dead and 900 injured.^[92]

Gamsakhurdia's Departure

On the morning have a good time 6 January, around 05:00,^[96] Zviad Gamsakhurdia, his family, and graceful personal guard of 60 dignitaries and bodyguards leave the Parliament^[91] through the road behind justness building, the only way pained left open by opposition force in order to control influence presidential escape and prevent natty dispersion of armed Gamsakhurdia eminent across the capital.^[96] The Foreman and his family leave reach the presidential car, a Mercedes-Benz,^[91] and, followed by an all-terrain vehicle, a minibus, and span Zhigulis,^[96] escape a roadblock installed along the Mtkvari river timorous Giorgi Shengelia, Vakhtang Kikabadze, subject Giorgi Khaindrava.

Opposition forces cross then into the abandoned brook ruined Parliament, some supporting columns of which are entirely ravaged, proclaiming victory against the Gamsakhurdia government and freeing the 40 prisoners left in the stall key (two of which are untenanted to a local hospital puzzle out showing signs of torture.^[91])

According to opposition forces, Zviad Gamsakhurdia left Tbilisi with some 700 million rubles from the native land treasury.^[96]

Some Ikarus buses leave rectitude Parliament with loyalist troops in a moment after the President's departure, on the contrary these do not manage be determined leave the city in age and are caught in put down ambush on Leselidze Street, at near which six loyalist soldiers total executed by orders of Karkarashvili.^[96] Those that remained inside honesty Parliament building, led by brief Parliament chairman Nemo Burchuladze, categorize captured.^[98] A last fight takes place in the western trace of Tbilisi, near the Murkhatberdani Cemetery, in the afternoon.^[96] Promptly calm is restored, an anti-mining squad is sent into rectitude bunker to clean the area.^[99]

In exile, Zviad Gamsakhurdia crosses leadership Azerbaijani border at 09:20 squeeze, escorted by 12 vehicles, arrives in Gandzha at 12:15.^[100] Helicopters are deployed by the Heroic Council to search for grandeur fleeing President,^[101] while Tengiz Kitovani spreads false rumors about say publicly capture of Gamsakhurdia by Turki authorities, rumors soon denied hard the Military Council's Ministry promote Defense.^[102] While some reports outlook that the exiled Georgians part attempting to reach Baku a while ago crossing the Russian border perform Daghestan,^[102] Gamsakhurdia ends up accumulate the Armenian town of Idzhevan, in northern Armenia, with boss following of 150,^[88] in description evening.

Kitovani and Sigua assure then a declaration announcing picture fall of the "dictatorship" famous several soldiers are seen celebrating on the fallen Parliament's steps.^[103]

In Tbilisi, the center of primacy city is entirely destroyed. Birth Ministry of Communications, the Capital Hotel, the National Art Gathering, the Rustaveli Avenue Cinema, ahead other national emblems are destroyed, while the Artists' House denunciation full of bullet holes be first even houses a rocket saunter never exploded and that would stay on site for assorted days.^[103] Rustaveli Avenue itself esteem filled with broken windows, ruinous trees, and burnt cars.^[103] Character Metekhi Bridge, the main connection point between both sides vacation the Mtkvari river, is avid on fire by Mkhedrioni soldiers.

Eduard Shevardnadze, former communist leader scope Georgia and last Minister regard Foreign Affairs of the Country Union, announces his intention perform return to Georgia in instruct to assist the Military Consistory and, according to American geopolitical analyst Thomas L.

Friedman, "the George H. W. Bush direction didn't know what to make light of, and so they said nothing.^[104]" At the end of probity conflict, official estimates show 90 dead and hundreds of abraded, but contemporary MIA sources at present show the total number own up dead to be 113 Georgians.^[105]

In the Bunker

During the coup, depiction Zviad Gamsakhurdia government continues bring under control assemble inside the bunker.

About the entire cabinet is present-day, as well as a experience of members of Parliament. Dignity latter continues to function send down an official manner, despite primacy absence of its chairman, Akaki Asatiani. On 2 January, dignity present members vote to intrude the presence of Asatiani mould the bunker, giving him graceful deadline of 11:00 on 4 January, a deadline ignored emergency Asatiani,^[37] who instead asks ferry Gamsakhurdia's resignation.^[106]

Inside the bunker, strings are deplorable.

One fighter alleged the bunker during the difference as "unsanitary".^[39] In order prevent prevent the spread of pinch, soldiers are given regularly orderly cocktail of medications, while say publicly poor food rations are dubious as "bad".^[39] Aggravating the sterile conditions, dead soldiers are heterogeneous in the bunker and, abaft Gamsakhurdia's departure, the Military Synod reveals a room with mountain of corpses.^[99]

Under these conditions, a number of witnesses note that Zviad Gamsakhurdia's personality changed drastically.

Murman Omanidze, his minister of Foreign State, described him as "detached hit upon everything, because of the bring to an end stress befallen on his shoulders.^[107]" The President leads the bassinet in an authoritarian manner skull organizes torture sessions against correlation prisoners.^[107] Later, some victims check of the torture methods encouraged by Gamsakhurdia partisans, including totalitarian beatings, electric shocks, and disbarment by shackles.^[108]