User:AlexandreAssatiani/1991-92 Georgian coup d'état

2077:, starting from a railway station several miles from the battlefield. The protesters, including mainly middle-aged men and women, carry the President's portrait, while chanting his name ("Zviadi!") and walking toward Rustaveli Avenue. After just 15 minutes, a car transporting masked men of the Mkhedrioni throws smoke bombs on the crowd, which only angers and energizes it, while encouraging applause from civilians on their balconies. But a group of eight to ten masked men wearing sunglasses to hide their identities, form a line in front of the demonstrators and start shooting blanks to disperse the crowd. A few instants later, real bullets are fired at the protesters, who disperse violently while some take refuge behind cars. Two protesters are immediately killed and several are injured, including two more who would die a few days later. 1046: 2069:

nation's destiny is to be decided. I ask everyone to rise to defend the homeland, to defend the future of our children. The entire population of our republic has to come to the defense of its legitimate and democratically-elected government. The government is in entire control of the situation and continues to direct the republic's infrastructure. We have overcome many obstacles on the road to independence. We believe that now as well, the Georgian people shall overcome the current situation with honor. I ask you to form defense committees and to resist the decisions of the Military Council. I ask you to organize large demonstrations, many strikes, and other acts of civil disobedience.

867: 44: 1671: 2584: 296: 288: 262: 244: 235: 225: 194: 167: 126: 2734: 758: 147: 1106: 612: 2042: 273: 208: 2396: 1222: 2147: 1625: 1746:

the United States, Canada, and Iran recognize Georgia on 25 December, followed by Brazil, Cuba, Thailand, and India on 26 December, Vietnam, Belarus, Egypt, Algeria, and China on 27 December, Jordan and Croatia on 28 December, Lebanon on 30 December, and Pakistan on 31 December. During this period, Omanidze is in Moscow to try and negotiate help from Russian president Boris Yeltsin, but the latter refused to meet the Georgian official, citing human rights violations in South Ossetia.

2426:, and a volunteer rescue service called Santeli (სანთელი, "candle") is formed to aid civilians affected by the conflict. The level of criminality increases considerably during the two weeks of the conflict, with a large number of robberies and carjackings. In some cases, armed men form roadblocks and force drivers to empty their gas tanks. Moreover, the Military Council claims that gangs of armed partisans of Gamsakhurdia terrorize the population several times, a claim that the 2321: 1662:, makes an appearance on Rustaveli Avenue, asking both sides to agree on peace, while remaining neutral during the conflict, a position that would later be criticized heavily by some Gamsakhurdia supporters. During the evening, Gamsakhurdia, remaining in his bunker with his family, addressed the nation, pretending that his forces had defeated opposition troops and pledging to not resign. Between seven and 17 people are killed during the first day of battle. 2512:, Zviad Gamsakhurdia proclaims his government to be in exile, insisting that his legitimacy remains valid and the coup cannot be recognized by the international community. However, this claim is soon rejected by the Military Council, whose legal counsel, Ron Migrauli, writes an op-ed for the daily "Free Georgia" claiming that an armed revolution against a dictatorship, even if elected and recognized by the international community, must be legitimate by 2081: 156: 303: 253: 174: 1841:, the number of dead had risen to at least 42, and 260 injured. On 31 December, Nodar Giorgadze, deputy Minister of Defense and leader of a militia made up of veterans from the Afghanistan War, publicly asks for Gamsakhurdia's resignation, leading to his arrest. He is soon joined by Murman Omanidze, the Foreign Affairs Minister and one of Gamsakhurdia's closest advisers, following his failed negotiating trip to 530: 2225:, around 05:00, Zviad Gamsakhurdia, his family, and a personal guard of 60 dignitaries and bodyguards leave the Parliament through the road behind the building, the only way out left open by opposition troops in order to control the presidential escape and prevent a dispersion of armed Gamsakhurdia supporters across the capital. The President and his family leave in the presidential car, a 930:. Government then begins a new round of attacks on the press, notably when Russian journalist Albert Kochetkov has his apartment robbed by 15 armed soldiers. Tengiz Kitovani, meanwhile, promises to support the political opposition to Gamsakhurdia and sends a support message to the members of the NDP through journalist Zurab Kodalashvili, who has his equipment confiscated by authorities. 1807:, representatives from HRW announced that they were "not in a position to evaluate the commitment toward human rights of the disorganized opposition." Rachel Denber, the main author of the report, acknowledges the militarization of the opposition during a U.S. interview, while underlining the fact that "a good portion of the opposition remains dedicated to fundamental rights." 1942:, prohibiting anyone from leaving their homes from 23:00 to 06:00. Zviad Gamsakhurdia, whose troops consist of a just a few hundred guards at this point, asks, from his bunker, the Georgian people to ignore the Military Council's decrees and to follow only "the Constitution, the laws of the Republic and those of its democratically-elected government," while asking for a 2214: 1636:, a cut that was ordered by the President a few months before under the advice of his National Security Adviser, Otar Khatiashvili. Khatiashvili joins the opposition on the first day of fighting, while Communications Minister Phelix Tkebuchava, stays formally inside the government but collaborates with coup leaders by cutting the phone lines of Parliament. 1647:, is sent by Zviad Gamsakhurdia to negotiate again with the opposition, but he betrays the President and makes a televised declaration asking Gamsakhurdia to resign and to let a new Parliament punish all guilty parties behind the violence. Kutateladze then takes a helicopter and is sent bu Sigua and Tengiz Kitovani to 1042:, around the headquarters of the public television, while the opposition attempts to take control of the building to broadcast a message announcing the end of the Gamsakhurdia regime. Soviet authorities, still based near Tbilisi, use the internal chaos to sell weapons to both sides in order to worsen the situation. 1871:. The Council becomes the only government recognized by members of the opposition and Zviad Gamsakhurdia becomes an usurper in the eyes of many. While the complete makeup of the Council's administration is never made public, Tengiz Kitovani and Jaba Ioseliani proclaim themselves Council leaders, while nominating 2501: 2174:, during which protesters listen to speeches in favor of the President, before advancing in the street changing the head of state's name. While rumors of masked men approaching in cars create tensions within the group, the demonstration takes place peacefully and disperses itself naturally within a few hours. 2615:. The latter, who had already announced his support of the opposition and his offer to come to Georgia's aid since 5 January, becomes the new head of state and has to spend several years to establish his central power, facing the militaristic ambitions of both Tengiz Kitovani and Jaba Ioseliani. It's only in 1750:

the end of the day, some international reports estimated the number of dead between 23 and 50 Georgians and 168 to 200 injured. Russian television shows footage of civilians evacuating the bodies of victims during the evening. On 25 December, the number of dead grows to 30-80 victims, according to US media.

2008:, Zviad Gamsakhurdia signs a decree from his bunker requiring all municipal and regional governments outside of Tbilisi to organize a large-scale mobilization of troops against the opposition, an act described by some as a call for guerrilla warfare. This order requires the mobilization to take place until 2115:

At 18:00, Sigua announces on television an ultimatum to the President, giving him until 08:00 the next morning to resign. The Military Council temporarily ceases fire and blocks all access to the Parliament building, except for the street behind the building in order to allow Gamsakhurdia soldiers to

1745:

administration remains controversial among Zviad Gamsakhurdia supports up to this day. Moreover, the beginning of international recognition of Georgia's independence during the coup, instead of during the Gamsakhurdia presidency, will be criticized by Foreign Affairs Minister Murman Omanidze. Indeed,

1165:

The Military Council, which represents the opposition, declares during the conflict that the majority of pro-Gamsakhurdia soldiers are 18 or 19 years old and are coerced into participating in the conflict. According to this same version of the facts, there is only a very small group of armed fighters

2288:

In Tbilisi, the center of the city is entirely destroyed. The Ministry of Communications, the Tbilisi Hotel, the National Art Gallery, the Rustaveli Avenue Cinema, and other national emblems are ruined, while the Artists' House is full of bullet holes and even houses a rocket that never exploded and

2137:

Gamsakhurdia's refusal leads to tensions within the bunker, escalating when two parties cause a violent brawl due to a disagreement on the follow-up strategy. After shots are fired within the compound, a large part of the fighters leaves the Parliament building and, by 20:00, only 500 guards protect

1736:

We find that President Gamsakhurdia's record on commitment to democratic principles and internationally recognized human rights is poor. Political and other disputes should be resolved peacefully and in a manner consistent with internationally recognized human rights principles. We've called on both

1708:

writes about the event that several people are stuck inside the museum with no way out, while fire brigades have no access because of the opposition blockade on the street. Gamsakhurdia recalls the remaining parts of his National Guard in Tbilisi in order to attempt a breach through the opposition's

2268:

at 12:15. Helicopters are deployed by the Military Council to search for the fleeing President, while Tengiz Kitovani spreads false rumors about the capture of Gamsakhurdia by Azerbaijani authorities, rumors soon denied by the Military Council's Ministry of Defense. While some reports show that the

1930:

and the country operates under the junta's unilateral control for a month. In order to convince the civilian population of the opposition's democratic intentions, the Military Council announces the formation of a consultative assembly made of political and intellectual figures ("open to all, except

1749:

While increasing the blockade around Tbilisi, Tengiz Sigua and Tengiz Kitovani offer a peace proposal to Gamsakhurdia on 24 December. The plan offers to treat members of government with safe conduct in exchange of the immediate resignation of the President, an offer refused by the head of state. At

1441:

During the coup itself, Sufian Bepayev may have provided weapons and armed vehicles to both sides. According to some sources, he may have begun by offering free weapons at the beginning of the coup, before starting to sell them: $ 200 to $ 300 per AK-47, $ 800 per Makarov PM, and $ 5,000 to $ 8,000

857:

In order to appease the situation, Tbilisi converts the local bureau of the KGB into a Department of National Security, which becomes a Ministry a few weeks later. A National Security Council is also created, proving that Gamsakhurdia wishes to see a military infrastructure independent from Moscow.

2241:

river by Giorgi Shengelia, Vakhtang Kikabadze, and Giorgi Khaindrava. Opposition forces penetrate then into the abandoned and ruined Parliament, some supporting columns of which are entirely destroyed, proclaiming victory against the Gamsakhurdia government and freeing the 40 prisoners left in the

2177:

The same day, the last fighting between the Military Council's forces and those of Gamsakhurdia take place. While the residents leave massively the center of Tbilisi, Tengiz Kitovani wins a new fight on the Zulabashvili Brothers Street, behind the Parliament building, finalizing the surrounding of

1483:

In his attempt to define and implement foreign policy objectives in the post-Soviet sphere, Russian President Boris Yeltsin clashed with the prerogatives of conservative and hard-line political and military actors. In Georgia, these disputes manifested themselves in a duality of policy towards the

2467:

prohibits anyone in the street at nighttime, while the Military Council-declared state of emergency authorizes the paramilitary group to arrest anyone walking in the street to inspect their identification documents. Only Tbilisi residents are allowed to stay within the city for more than 24 hours

2370:

sessions against opposition prisoners. Later, some victims attest of the torture methods used by Gamsakhurdia partisans, including severe beatings, electric shocks, and suspension by shackles. Prisoners are jailed in cells created specifically for the conflict and are under the supervision of the

2092:

increase the rhetoric between both sides. Jaba Ioseliani announces during a press conference that the decision to violently disperse the demonstration came directly from the Military Council, due to the junta's decree banishing all demonstrations. He called the massacre "normal" and threatened to

2068:

While we have almost achieved the true independence of the republic and her recognition and the world's powers, a few traitors of our homeland are attempting to threaten our independence by creating a Military Council, in the same nature as the revolutionary committee of February 1921. Today, our

1488:

as a primary goal to be attained even at the expense of Georgian independence and through whatever means possible. As a result, the Russian military conducted its own ‘foreign policy’ in Georgia. The goal of this ‘foreign policy’ was to counter Georgia’s rejection of any ties with Russia, such as

1306:

and which had remained neutral during the first stages of the coup, hesitates on joining the pro-Gamsakhurdia coalition at first. However, following the arrest of Nodar Giorgadze, head of the militia and Deputy Minister of Defense, rumors about his execution in the presidential bunker lead to the

789:, the Ministry, while attempting to unify the several paramilitary organizations operating throughout the country, jails, with the help of Soviet forces, Jaba Ioseliani, a former criminal-turned-theater critique who leads the ultra-nationalistic Mkhedrioni, along with around 50 of his colleagues. 2053:, it becomes clear that the Gamsakhurdia government has no longer enough forces to defeat the opposition. However, the Western press questions the strength of the opposition, notably because of the bunker's advantageous position, but also because of the lack of any decisive force by either side. 1639:

Throughout the day, rebels managed to enter Parliament twice, but governmental forces push back both times, before asking for a negotiation. The latter soon fails and the battle starts anew, while Sigua contacts Gamsakhurdia and warns him, "Your faults will not happen any longer. You should have

2816:

The popular version that this conflict is between the opposition and the Georgian President's partisans is incorrect. The fight is between the members of the coalition on top of the Republic... The dozens of true opposition parties are not participating in the conflict and prefer to wait before

2256:

buses leave the Parliament with loyalist troops shortly after the President's departure, but these do not manage to leave the city in time and are caught in an ambush on Leselidze Street, during which six loyalist soldiers are executed by orders of Karakashvili. Those that remained inside the

2132:

I have tried several times to put an end to the killing, but it seems impossible to discuss with the opposition, as it is only a gang of criminals. The only thing left to do is to fight, fight, and again, fight. Of course, it is not an easy thing to accomplish, but a peaceful solution is only

988: 1686:

to another, leading to rumors about a potential departure of Gamsakhurdia; these rumors are, however, denied by the government, which assures that the move is made for security purposes, while announcing a dubious advantage over opposition soldiers. The airport and TV and radio stations are

2475:

continues to function normally, other public transportation means are interrupted. An economic crisis affects Tbilisi as shopping centers are closed and markets lose supplies due to farmers remaining in the countryside. Moreover, several neighborhoods suffer from electricity shortages. The

1091:

After having arrived in the capital, Kitovani announces, "We did not fight actively while international opinion on the authoritarian nature of his personal dictatorship wasn't clear. So what we're now doing is not a military coup but rather the overthrow of a dictatorship with the goal of

2166:

pledge allegiance to the Military Council. In response, governmental forces attack the Prosecutor's office, injuring two but failing to occupy the building. Another combat takes place during the night when pro-Gamsakhurdia troops attempt to take over the television broadcasting tower with

2189:

Loyalist troops attempt one last time to take on the Broadcasting Tower of Tbilisi. At 20:12, the Military Council launches a last violent attack on the Parliament building, isolating Zviad Gamsakhurdia. The latter receives then an asylum offer from the Armenian President via telegram.

2257:

Parliament building, led by interim Parliament chairman Nemo Burchuladze, are captured. A last fight takes place in the western part of Tbilisi, near the Murkhatberdani Cemetery, in the afternoon. Once calm is restored, an anti-mining squad is sent into the bunker to clean the area.

2718:, who leads South Ossetia during Kulumbegov's absence, predicts that "if this evil Gamsakhurdia wins, our people shall have to fight until the end if Russia does not recognize us. And we will have to perish as we will not leave our lands and Gamsakhurdia will not let us live here." 2020:

In response, the Military Council announces the abolition of local governments and declares its intent to appoint local governors loyal to the opposition. According to an announcement by the Council, the majority of local government centers fell into the junta's control by 18:30 on

2093:

repeat the orders if Tbilisi residents continued to violate the Council's decrees, while apologizing to four journalists who had their equipment confiscated by opposition forces. Ioseliani accuses the elite OMON forces of Gamsakhurdia of having provoked the Mkhedrioni soldiers.

630:

declares the independence of the country and appoints Zviad Gamsakhurdia, a famous dissident and spokesperson of local nationalism, as interim president. The latter would eventually be elected president with 86% of the vote in an election that saw an 83% participation rate on

1543:, brings a detailed map of the capital within the HQ and military leaders plan the coming attacks. Tengiz Kitovani takes command of the upcoming assault on Parliament, being the most knowledgeable of the building's infrastructure, from his time as head of the National Guard. 2705:

This opening is, however, ignored by the Ossetians and the self-proclaimed Supreme Soviet of South Ossetia announces a general mobilization of all men aged 18 to 60 to use the Georgian setback at their advantage. A defense committee made of ten mobile units is formed on

1489:

within the CIS. The means were destabilization and the creation of a situation in which substantial and long-term Russian assistance (in the form of troops and installations) would be required. By fueling belligerents on all sides of the conflicts with weapons and other

1562:), is sent to inspect the surroundings of Parliament to confirm the location of governmental troops and soon, Rustaveli Avenue is blocked from the public, with both sides using buses and armed vehicles to isolate the most popular street of Tbilisi. Around 01:00, 2167:

grenade-launchers, but fail to win this fight as well. These skirmishes, however, take place while the opposition manages to block all radio transmissions coming from the bunker and ceases fire on the Parliament building to allow troops to flee from the bunker.

1605:

serving as a buffer between both camps, government authorities send Mayor Tamaz Vashadze of Tbilisi and deputy Avtandil Rtskhiladze on a negotiation mission one last time before the beginning of the hostilities, but the two are kidnapped by Sigua's forces.

2289:

that would stay on site for several days. Rustaveli Avenue itself is filled with broken windows, fallen trees, and burnt cars. The Metekhi Bridge, the main communication point between both sides of the Mtkvari river, is set on fire by Mkhedrioni soldiers.

1484:

conflicts. Yeltsin favored a process of dialogue, negotiation, and co-operation with the Georgian government. Russian military leaders, however, viewed the preservation of Russian military influence and strategic assets in the geostrategically important

2138:

the government. Following false rumors on the executions of Nodar Giorgadze and Jemal Koteliani, two members of the government imprisoned in the bunker by Gamsakhurdia, the Military Council draws up plans to launch a new attack against the Parliament.

1830:. The latter takes back his control over the militia and Chanturia announces that the civil war must continue until the resignation of Gamsakhurdia. On their way, the Kitovani troops burn down several buildings of strategic importance, including the 1233:

mutiny. However, while an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 members of the Guard pledged allegiance to the opposition's struggle, only a small part of these combatants participated in the Tbilisi battle, while the other soldiers remain in South Ossetia or

845:

Tengiz Kitovani, opposing this decision, leaves Tbilisi with a force of around 15,000 armed men and sets up camp in the Rkoni Gorge, around 40 kilometers north of the capital. He is soon joined by Tengiz Sigua and former Foreign Affairs Minister

2116:

leave the battlefield. The President refuses the ultimatum while offering a compromise: a serious limitation on executive powers, a referendum on the existence of the President's position, the restoration of South Ossetian autonomy, a return of

1391:. According to that letter, lacking the interference of the Russian soldiers, "Gamsakhurdia supporters would have had a guaranteed victory." This version of the facts reveals also an involvement by Russian soldiers during the battle around the 2012:

and mandates the local governments to open mobilization centers to welcome all military conscripts, aged 20 to 45 years old. Local authorities are also under the obligation to organize transport for this theoretical army. However, without a

1574:, and sets up barricades on the main highway leading to Tbilisi from the north, in order to avoid any access to the capital, before leaving his soldiers in the outpost while bringing weapons to the opposition. His militia is armed with 50 2678:, the coup gives the rebels the opportunity to strengthen their position. Gamsakhurdia and his opposition recall one after the other their Georgian militias stationed in South Ossetia, giving a clear advantage to Ossetian soldiers. On 2311:

administration didn't know what to say, and so they said nothing." A the end of the conflict, official estimates show 90 dead and hundreds of injured, but contemporary MIA sources now show the total number of dead to be 113 Georgians.

1053:

Following the large arrests of political opponents, the central government wins light victories, managing to force Kitovani and his former National Guard troops out of Tbilisi. They would remain in the surroundings of the city until

2386:

claims being in possession of a video proving that children from a local orphanage were taken by force into the bunker to serve as unwilling hostages and prevent any violent attack by the opposition, a claim denied by Gamsakhurdia.

2001:. In the same manner, while a majority of the country stops receiving newspapers following the closure of printers in Tbilisi during the coup, western Georgia keeps its pro-Gamsakhurdia newspapers thanks to the printers of Kutaisi. 1691:, meanwhile, provides footage of vehicles armed with rocket launchers pointed at the Parliament building, before the beginning of a second attack against the structure, led by Tengiz Sigua himself, who predicts an imminent victory. 1386:

published a letter from Colonel-General Sufian Bepayev, who was then the vice-commander of the Transcaucasian Military District of the Red Army, who claimed to have brought logistical and military help to the opposition starting on

2061:, arrives in Tbilisi the same day in order to broker a peace between the adversaries and convince them to sign a peace agreement; however, Gamsakhurdia is offended by the meeting between the Armenian delegation and the opposition. 1073:

On 19 December, Tengiz Kitovani offers an ultimatum to Zviad Gamsakhurdia, asking for his immediate resignation. But the latter refuses, an act that would later be criticized by his own Minister of Foreign Affairs Murman Omanidze.

1290:

to assist the opposition. This militia would be used to put siege on Tbilisi and block all routes leading to the capital. Karkarashvili would later become one of the main figures in the Military Council, before taking the post of

2355:, soldiers are given regularly a cocktail of medications, while the poor food rations are described as "bad". Aggravating the sanitary conditions, dead soldiers are amassed in the bunker and, after Gamsakhurdia's departure, the 1787:

The 18-page report becomes the only source of information on the Gamsakhurdia presidency among many western circles. The publication decries the political persecutions of the government against the opposition, the arrests of

842:, Zviad Gamsakhurdia issues a presidential decree abolishing the position of commander of the National Guard, dismissing Kitovani, and brings the troops entirely within the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. 482:, feelings that will be repeated across the Soviet world. Large economic problems, the dictatorial nature of government, and the repression of nationalistic symbols lead to several protests in Georgia, culminating with the 2753:

You need to understand, Rustaveli was where we used to play hooky from school, where we'd take a girlfriend on a nice walk. It was the heart of Tbilisi. We saw the scenes on television, but we had no idea that it was this

1601:, Sigua orders his personal guard, led by former Soviet secret service officer Murtaz Shaluahsvili, to position itself in Alexandrov Park (today known as the April 9 Park), in order to target the Parliament. With just the 1899:, and Vakhtang Razmadze becomes the Chief Prosecutor. Theoretically, the Gamsakhurdia government remains the only legitimate entity recognized by major foreign powers, but it isn't clear which government is recognized by 603:, violent clashes between Georgian and Abkhaz nationalists force a certain division that would extend into a "war of laws" between the legislatures of Tbilisi and of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia. 1084:, Tengiz Kitovani returns to Tbilisi, where he unifies his troops with those of the Mkhedrioni and the Merab Kostava Society militia. The next day, the Soviet Union is formally abolished and Georgia refuses to join the 393:

Stemming from authoritarian actions undertaken by Zviad Gamsakhurdia, the Tbilisi War ends with the exile of the first democratically-elected president of Georgia, after two weeks of violent clashes in the heart of the

896:, leader of the NDP, is arrested by law enforcement, which only aggravates the tensions. Opposition members of Parliament, student groups, and other activists from throughout Tbilisi demonstrate daily in September. On 919:, the situation falls even further into violence when around 5,000 Gamsakhurdia supporters, led by deputy Avtandil Rtskhiladze, enter the headquarters of the NDP, where they face some 800 members of the opposition. 911:, a group of several dozens of protesters begin a hungerstrike in front of Parliament but are violently dispersed by 250 presidential guards and around 200 "furies", women partisans of Gamsakhurdia. On the night of 1617:, both sides use rockets, grenades, and automatic weapons to fight each other. The Kashveti Church, which houses opposition soldiers, becomes a target of governmental forces. The Gamsakhurdia household, nicknamed " 1359:"are not assisting the legitimately-elected President and, instead, are providing substantial help to the bandits of the opposition." On the other hand, Jaba Ioseliani accuses Gamsakhurdia of being too close to 2366:, his minister of Foreign Affairs, described him as "detached from everything, because of the massive stress befallen on his shoulders." The President leads the bunker in an authoritarian manner and organizes 1814:, it becomes clear that government forces have lost all control outside of the presidential bunker and Tengiz Kitovani, followed by a Mkhedrioni detachment, captures the former Soviet office of the KGB in the 1354:

During the conflict, accusations of Russian assistance to one side or another are regularly made by both the President and the opposition. Thus, Gamsakhurdia complains from within his bunker that units of the

2530:

Vakhtang Razmadze, the junta's appointed prosecutor, sends a delegation made of Alexandre Kasvadze, Giorgi Shengelia, Deputy Prosecutor Revaz Kipiani, and Deputy Internal Affairs Minister Givi Kvantaliani to

1003:

neighborhoods, as well as the south and center parts of Rustaveli Avenue (housing government buildings) remain under the military control of Zviad Gamsakhurdia, who has started to isolate himself within the

827:

the next day brings a new controversy, with apparent rumors of Gamsakhurdia supporting the radical coup leaders going around Tbilisi, thus forcing Kitovani into disagreement. Soon, the Russian news agency

2285:, with a following of 150, in the evening. Kitovani and Sigua sign then a declaration announcing the fall of the "dictatorship" and several soldiers are seen celebrating on the fallen Parliament's steps. 744:, resign from their posts and join the opposition, accusing the President of becoming a "totalitarian demagogue". Soon, the capital falls into chaos, merely a few months after the national independence. 2519:

In order to demonstrate their support over the deposed president, a crowd of several hundreds of protesters demonstrate in the streets of Tbilisi the same day, ignoring the Military Council's decrees.

2690:

bastions in place to protect Georgian territories; but the same day, opposition leaders offer a ceasefire and a peace proposal to the separatists. As a show of good faith, Kitovani and Ioseliani free

4849:"Georgia Rebels Oust President : Upheaval: Azerbaijan and Armenia refuse asylum to Gamsakhurdia. Tbilisi opposition proclaims authority in former Soviet republic and vows elections in April" 2535:

in order to negotiate a peaceful return of the exiled president to Georgia, offering a promise of freedom in exchange of an end to his presidential claims, a proposal refused by Gamsakhurdia. On

960:

According to opposition leaders, the political conflict continues within the Ortachala Prison. NDP leaders allege that several riots are orchestrated to plan the murders of certain prisoners. On

1609:

Around 07:30, Murtaz Shualashvili orders the first fire against Parliament and Karkarashvili launches four rockets on the Parliament building, inaugurating two weeks of violence. According to a

1985:

While Tbilisi falls into chaos, the rest of Georgia (except for South Ossetia) remains more or less calm during the first week of the conflict. However, the events affected some rural zones in

2186:

publishes an interview with an anonymous presidential guard that accuses the President of having forbidden any escape of his troops, threatening any soldier attempting to flee with execution.

1479:, given the harsh economic conditions of the Caucasus and the corruption of high-ranking military officials. However, Demetriou reveals another theory on the shared support from the Russians: 3222: 2777:

The coup d'état is at the heart of the next great debate on America's foreign policy... The question is, are these new democrats mocking themselves, or are they mocking us? It's clear the

2487:

by the Military Council. During this time, newspapers stop being printed due to fears of attacks by pro-Gamsakhurdia partisans. Postal offices and telegraphic stations are closed as well.

2133:

possible if the Georgian society mobilizes itself, and the latter remains passive at the moment. I know that we can defeat the rebellion with our military force, but it will take time.

2801:, who often criticized human rights violations made by Gamsakhurdia, ignored the same violations done under Eduard Shevardnadze, even supporting and advising the latter's presidency. 1682:

during a new direct assault against the Parliament, organized in the morning but rebuffed by the National Guard. During the day, the presidential plane is moved from one side of the

1316: 2128:, the liberation of political prisoners, and membership into the Commonwealth of Independent States. This offer is refused by the opposition, following which Gamsakhurdia declares, 2205:, at least 90 dead and 700 injured are recorded by the Ministry of Health, while the Military Council insists that the number of victims goes as high as 200 dead and 900 injured. 1367:, Internal Affairs Minister Dilar Khabuliani, and Technical Resources Minister Igor Chkheidze) are KGB agents. Despite these allegations, Yuri Grekov, First Vice-Commander of the 1343:. Gamsakhurdia's refusal to do so would have been what jump-started the hostilities. This version is confirmed by the President, who accused Yeltsin of being behind the coup. On 1174:

report claims that the majority of the president's guard in the bunker (nearly 500 soldiers) comes from that battalion. A youth militia coming from the mountainous region of

1031:, Tengiz Kitovani returns to Tbilisi, accompanied by some of his troops, but the administration brings thousands of Gamsakhurdia supporters from rural regions of Georgia. On 1815: 1133:

during the coup. While some western sources claim between 1,000 and 2,000 combatants fight for Gamsakhurdia, the latter estimates himself having 5,000 soldiers on his side.

2073:

While the Military Council issued a new decree forbidding all protestations, an assembly of 3,000 to 4,000 Gamsakhurdia supporters organize a demonstration around 12:00 on

1113:

The lack of organization within governmental troops and the defection of a large amount of forces during the coup makes any attempt to estimate the size of troops loyal to

1170:, a special, highly-trained branch of the National Guard. A large part of the fighters comes from a special women's battalion, known as the "Black Pantyhose Battalion". A 900:, while 27 political parties sign a resignation request for Gamsakhurdia, the latter threatens to dissolve Parliament and builds barricades on Rustaveli Avenue. Historian 1371:

of the Soviet Army, denies any Soviet involvement in the conflict, while striking an agreement on the Soviet troops' remaining in Georgia after Gamsakhurdia's departure.

2539:, a second delegation, chaired by Eldar Shengelia and including Chabua Amirejibi, Grigol Lortkipanidze, Giorgi Khaindrava, Vakhtang Kikabadze, and Rivaz Kipiani, go to 2721:

During that winter, Ossetians capture all of Tskhinvali and several villages. The separatists' victory would be confirmed during a ceasefire signed by Shevardnadze in

2769:, a US geopolitical journalist, talks of the coup d'état as a the onset of a decisive change in the United States' interventionist politics following the fall of the 1559: 1834:

and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, leading to the destruction of nearly 210,000 documents (or 80% of the entirety) of governmental archives from the Soviet era.

964:, the doors of certain prison cells are left open, leading to new riots that end with the intervention of a Soviet force that kills an unknown number of prisoners. 2178:

the last government stronghold. Tengiz Sigua, meanwhile, announces publicly that one of his biggest critiques toward Gamsakhurdia is the latter's hostility toward

429:

military exploitation of legitimate pro-democratic protests in its former sphere of influence. This fact is mainly represented by the probable intervention of the

2551:. However, the latter two refuse to extradite Gamsakhurdia. Lortkipanidze, one of the Georgian delegates, pens a letter signed by a dozen members of the Tbilisi 5030: 652:

Appointment powers over the Prime Minister, the presiding judge of the Supreme Court, the Prosecutor General, and the commander-in-chief of the armed forces;

1035:, Irakli Tsereteli, leader of the National Independence Party, announces the onset of a civil war by threatening, "either we perish, or Gamsakhurdia will." 3007:

During the last days of the coup, the opposition authorizes the escape of governmental troops before launching its last assault on the Parliament building.

2607:. The Military Council, in power in Tbilisi for another two months, creates an authoritarian and military regime across the country, until the arrival of 717:, while death threats and false criminal investigations are used by Tbilisi against renegade news anchors. International press is also largely repressed. 2570:, still recognized the legitimacy of the government in exile. Two fighter jets, sent by the Military Council, attempt to force the plane down, but fail. 3016:

A referendum on South Ossetian independence is organized on 19 January 1992 while Georgian authorities failed to intervene to put an end to the process.

1286:(თეთრი არწივი, or "White Eagle"), a paramilitary group of around 80 men led by warlord Gia Karkarashvili and operating in the South Ossetia war, leaves 2096:

Zviad Gamsakhurdia, whose forces captured and tortured two of the Mkhedrioni soldiers responsible for the shooting, compared, during an interview with

265: 2351:

Inside the bunker, conditions are deplorable. One fighter described the bunker during the conflict as "unsanitary". In order to prevent the spread of

635:. However, his presidency begins with serious opposition, notably because of the large presidential powers granted upon him by Parliament, including: 1651:, in western Georgia, to prevent the formation of pro-Gamsakhurdia forces. Tamaz Ninua, deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, also joins the opposition. 5072: 1158:

reported 300-500 Zviadist sodliers the day before. Other Russian sources, meanwhile, estimate nearly 1,500 Zviadists, 60% of which being armed, on

1632:

The Parliament building is entirely isolated, notably because of the preceding cut of all communication cables leading to and from Gamsakhurdia's

2296: 5738: 1914:

Kitovani and Ioseliani sign together all the junta's decrees, including a first decree deposing the Gamsakhurdia cabinet, before abolishing the

4631: 4316: 2523:

orders his troops to intimidate the crowd by shooting blanks, dispersing the demonstration and injuring two. Several volunteers in Tbilisi and

2452:

and Karkarashvili forms a militia to patrol the streets before the state police, neutral during the first half of the conflict, takes over on

1993:, all programming is stopped in western Georgia, which had remained loyal to Gamsakhurdia, thanks to the capture of the broadcasting tower of 1205:

militia, states then that "Jokhar Dudaiev's position is unacceptable and misplaced, but hope remains that this quid pro quo can be fixed." On

690:. Public television, under the new control of the nationalists, cancels all programming not openly supporting Gamsakhurdia's platform and in 2643:, Mingrelia's regional capital. After having expelled the new central government's forces, Gamsakhurdia and his supporters, who are called " 933:

The number of political prisoners increases: Giorgi Khaindrava, a member of the Georgian National Congress political party, is arrested on

1129:, but the number of actual National Guard members participating in the conflict remains unknown, as a large part of the Guard remains in 2998:

Besides the events in Georgia, nationalistic movements become important in Azerbaijan, Lithuania, Moldova, Latvia, Armenia, and Estonia.

2182:

and predicts that Georgia will rejoin the Commonwealth of Independent States once Gamsakhurdia is gone. On 5 January, Russian newspaper

1776:

that, "we have no idea what's happening, except for the fact that there are shootings around Parliament." However, this doesn't prevent

713:. Journalists are routinely excluded from press conferences and public television often accuses its competition to be at the service of 577:, following which Tbilisi retaliates by abolishing entirely the local autonomy and dispatching a military faction to pacify the region. 2303:, announces his intention to return to Georgia in order to assist the Military Council and, according to American geopolitical analyst 2108:. During that same interview, he refused a new offer to negotiate his resignation with the opposition and compared the shooting to the 1323:

According to historian and close Gamsakhurdia ally Leila Tsomaia, there is a controversial theory about the beginning of the conflict.

834:

publishes an article claiming that the Georgian President is readying to disarm the National Guard in order to integrate it within the

627: 785:, recently elected to the Supreme Council of Georgia with Gamsakhurdia's party, with a mission to recruit 20,000 capable soldiers. In 5375: 4001: 2918: 1475:

Some analyze this weapons distribution scheme to be the natural result of the lack of order among remaining Soviet armies after the

2812:

that the coup is not a conflict between the government and its opposition, but rather between different factions of the same party:

1728:(two kilometers west of Rustaveli Avenue) are heard through the center of the capital, the worsening of the situation leads the 2457: 2423: 2159: 1958: 1532: 1181:

The participation of foreign mercenaries remains a controversial subject, denied by Gamsakhurdia supporters. However, during a

1126: 1005: 968: 778: 490:

is repressed by the authorities and results in the death of 21 people and the arrest of the main opposition leaders, including

407: 4402:

Clines, Francis X. (23 December 1991). "The End of the Soviet Union: At Least 7 Killed as Clashes Fare in Georgian Republic".

2332:

government continues to assemble inside the bunker. Almost the entire cabinet is present, as well as a majority of members of

1468:

rifles, and 200 Makarov PMs. Following the Military Council's victory, a special battalion of the National Guard is formed on

5817: 5660: 5638: 5586: 5567: 5548: 5529: 5236: 4830: 4767: 4522: 4457: 4373: 4345: 4302: 4283: 4257: 4238: 4149: 4099: 3801: 3767: 3748: 3724: 3702: 3683: 3661: 3639: 3617: 3587: 3568: 3546: 3524: 3469: 3404: 3376: 3350: 3326: 3302: 3270: 3251: 3165: 3146: 3127: 3108: 3089: 3070: 3051: 2805: 1888: 1403: 812: 820: 580:

Zviad Gamsakhurdia's presidency only aggravates the conflict, especially after his promise of a "Georgia for Georgians." In

4671: 1249:

standard. This militia remains under the direct leadership of Ioseliani, even after the opposition's unification after the

953:, eleven members of the NDP are arrested as well, while Temur Zhorzholiani, leader of the Monarchist Party, is arrested on 725: 475: 1229:

The majority of opposition troops come from rebel factions of the National Guard that followed Tengiz Kitovani during his

2620: 882:

and the NDP to ask for Jaba Ioseliani's freedom are attacked by MIA forces. According to the non-government organization

4867:"Decree Issued by the Military Council of the Republic of Georgia - on Action of Legislation in the Republic of Georgia" 4497:

Tyler, Patrick E. (24 December 1991). "End of the Soviet Union: Yeltsin Asks Bush to Grant Russians Recognition by US".

1410:

authorities authorized a covert operation of introducing a large artillery of undocumented weapons into Georgia through

4557:

Schmemann, Serge (27 December 1991). "After the Soviet Union: Union Put to Rest, Kremlin's Arsenal Is Now in Dispute".

2158:, while Jaba Ioseliani announces a plan to abolish the presidency and institute a parliamentary system in Georgia, the 1954: 1340: 1085: 442: 5779: 2414:

coverage, 80% of the downtown area's building are destroyed in the battle, leading to a large number of refugees. The

1066:. The same month, cars belonging to Tedo Paatashvili and Gela Chorgolashvili, two opposition leaders, explode in what 4539:

Clines, Francis X. (25 December 1991). "End of the Soviet Union: Gorbachev Plans to Give Up Power to Yeltsin Today".

3427: 2163: 1915: 1020:

as its training ground. In the meantime, the neighborhoods of Vake and Saburtalo, populated by members of the Soviet

433:

in favor of opposition factions, while providing weapons to both sides of the war. Following Gamsakhurdia's fall, a

2695: 2300: 1368: 546: 211: 4482:

Schmemann, Serge (24 December 1991). "End of the Soviet Union: Rival Factions in Georgia Raise Level of Clashes".

4055: 3202: 2558:

The same day, Zviad Gamsakhurdia and his family take a private plane with a Georgian pilot and leave Armenia for

1973:, Gamsakhurdia's Health Ministry counted a total of 73 dead and 400 injured since the beginning of the conflict. 1476: 1438:. Nine Georgian, three Ossetian, and three Abkhaz militias are thus armed before the beginning of the civil war. 2344:, the present members vote to require the presence of Asatiani in the bunker, giving him a deadline of 11:00 on 971:, two of the last remaining active opposition parties, suspend their activities shortly after demonstrations on 2946:

Politics from the Barrel of a Gun: Small Arms Proliferation and Conflict in the Republic of Georgia (1989–2001)

1919: 1860:, opposition forces capture the Broadcasting Tower of Tbilisi, allowing them to control televised messages. On 1303: 2647:", establish an opposing government in Western Georgia, pushing Mingrelia into a civil war until his death on 1045: 4848: 2591:

Besides the temporary destruction of the downtown district of Tbilisi and the death of more than one hundred

2477: 1966: 1896: 1725: 1683: 1644: 1402:

study the large implication of Soviet forces in the civil war. In this version, shortly after Gamsakhurdia's

1392: 1292: 816: 626:, two years after the Tbilisi Tragedy and ten days after a largely victorious referendum on the subject, the 541:

leads to a rebirth of ethnic tensions with certain minorities within the Georgian State, most notably in the

2631:

Gamsakhurdia's departure marks only the beginning of a civil war that would plunge Georgia into chaos until

2029:

City Hall, 25 kilometers south of the capital, between the local government and Military Council troops, on

1418:, to be distributed among the several paramilitary groups set up by Georgian nationalists. As soon as early 1398:

However, another version of the facts is given to us by Greek strategist Spyros Demetriou, who reveals in a

866: 2527:, Gamsakhurdia's native region, begin to organize and recruit armed supports to plan a counter-revolution. 2270: 459: 2969:("The Overthrow of the Freedom of President Zviad Gamsakhurdia"). Tbilissi,‎ 2018. ISBN 978-9941-8-0513-4. 2025:. However, the country still includes some cities loyal to the President; a gun battle takes place at the 1009: 879: 5504:

Bohlen, Celestine (7 January 1992). "Embattled Georgian Leader Flees, Opposition Council Claims Power".

4198:

Darchiashvili, David. "The Russian Military Presence in Georgia: The Parties, Attitudes and Prospects".

2797:'s Russia as a potential ally in the new post-Soviet world and for that reason, U.S. Secretary of State 1818:

neighborhood, where several opposition leaders are imprisoned. Eight prisoners are freed and brought to

1640:

resigned a long time ago. Now, you better come out with a white flag or we will take care of everyone."

5739:"The Letter of President of Georgia Zviad Gamsakhurdia to United States Secretary of State James Baker" 2863: 2765:, talks of a Georgian tragedy that forced "Georgian national heroes against Georgian national heroes." 2362:

Under these conditions, some witnesses note that Zviad Gamsakhurdia's personality changed drastically.

2356: 2109: 1868: 1141: 967:

The state of emergency in Tbilisi forces all formal political activity to pause. Thus, the NDP and the

672: 434: 197: 103: 43: 2808:

of Gamsakhurdia who fled Tbilisi after being accused of treason during the revolt, analyzes while in

2687: 2014: 1876: 1516: 1245:

Jaba Ioseliani commands a militia of 600 to 5,000 ultra-conservative soldiers that operate under the

1118: 770: 367: 133: 129: 2909: 3025:

The Republic of South Ossetia is only recognized by Russia, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Nauru, and Syria.

2683: 2483:

Phone lines, cut as soon as the coup began by the Ministry of Communications, are reestablished on

1831: 1659: 1571: 1013: 585: 502: 341: 4801: 4438: 4317:"პრეზიდენტი ზვიად გამსახურდია და ა. სკრიაბინის ინტერვიუ: თბილისი-მოსკოვის ტელეხიდი, 10.11.1991 წ." 4219: 2785:

The American reaction toward the putsch shocked several Georgians who had been convinced that the

2456:

following the appointment by the Military Council of the popular police chief Roman Gvantsadze as

1953:

takes place during the evening when, around 18:00, governmental troops attack with trace fire the

1918:

in a second decree. By ordering such moves, opposition leaders claimed to want to restore the old

1737:

the Georgian government and the opposition to observe these principles in resolving their dispute.

1621:

Bell", catches fire, but the family, under governmental protection during the coup, remains safe.

1566:, who leads a militia of around 80 men known as Tetri Artsivi ("White Eagle"), leaves his post in 1268:

before becoming an armed militia led by Vazhi Adamia, joined the rebel National Guard as early as

5675: 2974:

Georgia from National Awakening to Rose Revolution: Delayed Transition in the Former Soviet Union

1867:, opposition leaders, assembled within the Academy of Sciences, announced the establishment of a 1016:(1 Chavchavadze Ave.) are loyal to the opposition, while the Mkhedrioni militia uses the rest of 17: 1931:

Zviad Gamsakhurdia") to represent political parties, ethnoc minorities, and the intelligentsia

2336:. The latter continues to function in an official manner, despite the absence of its chairman, 1766:'s troops penetrate inside the Parliament and put fire to the first floor of the building with 1524: 4646: 1613:

report, the opposition refuses to accept any responsibility with the first attack. Throughout

4426: 4207: 3196: 2333: 1880: 1729: 1699: 1431: 851: 774: 498: 1709:

barricades outside the city, thus putting an end to any large Georgian military presence in

3483:

Berry, Robert (21 August 1991). "Georgian fears coup 'deal', urges West to aid republics".

2745:'s destruction is represented by these words told by a civilian during a special report by 2733: 1213:

mercenaries probably working as snipers for the government are detained by the opposition.

870:

Former HQ of the Tbilisi KGB, where several political prisoners are jailed by Gamsakhurdia.

538: 5342:

Schmemann, Serge (10 January 1992). "Stunned, Georgians Reckon the Cost of Independence".

3881: 2658:, Mingrelia would become the target of violent political persecutions orchestrated by the 2583: 517:. Soon, Soviet authorities, under pressure of mass revolts, allow democratic elections in 8: 2841: 2608: 2544: 2292: 2230: 2191: 2058: 1892: 1670: 1383: 1017: 438: 1780:, a US-based NGO, from publishing an official report the same day formally accusing the 2868: 2858: 2766: 2746: 2445: 2374:

The Military Council claims after the coup that two prisoners were executed inside the

2329: 2304: 1781: 1777: 1772: 1324: 1239: 1114: 1105: 927: 890:, are beaten with batons, while soldiers shoot at the crowd, injuring three civilians. 883: 705:

Political persecutions only increase following the independence. The neutral newspaper

663:, while Gamsakhurdia's nationalistic movement is already in power in Tbilisi under the 611: 491: 418: 371: 228: 146: 107: 99: 35: 4897: 4866: 2674:

during the conflict. While the region is in the midst of a separatist war against the

2245:

According to opposition forces, Zviad Gamsakhurdia left Tbilisi with some 700 million

850:. In retaliation, Gamsakhurdia bans the Communist Party, which included 60 members of 295: 287: 261: 243: 234: 224: 193: 166: 125: 3423: 2953:

Conflict in Georgia - Human Rights Violations by the Government of Zviad Gamsakhurdia

2844:

accused Tengiz Kitovani of operating as a Russian "agent" during the civil conflict.

2548: 2513: 2437: 2054: 1974: 1563: 1446:. According to the Georgian Defense Foundation, the National Guard receives, between 1336: 1137: 847: 757: 463: 337: 88: 2242:

bunker (two of which are taken to a local hospital after showing signs of torture.)

2213: 2041: 1969:

building, leading to a fierce battle on Rustaveli Avenue until 22:00. By the end of

1088:. Zviad Gamsakhurdia barricades himself in the basement of the Parliament building. 5360:

Friedman, Thomas L. (12 January 1992). "A New US Problem: Freely Elected Tyrants".

2790: 2789:

represented Russia's geopolitical alternative. However, it soon becomes clear that

2778: 2742: 2691: 2348:, a deadline ignored by Asatiani, who instead asks for Gamsakhurdia's resignation. 2308: 2117: 2112:, when Soviet troops shot and killed several protesters fighting for independence. 1823: 1819: 1804: 1742: 1555: 1528: 1038:

With 1,000 to 3,000 soldiers on each side, the first military fights take place in

901: 893: 887: 399: 2395: 2150:

The interior of Parliament is taken by force by opposition soldiers several times.

1256:

proclamation of the Military Council, and it is this militia that would cause the

1221: 1058:. A temporary return to peace allows Gamsakhurdia to ban all political parties on 804:. However, the situation changes drastically during the summer of that same year. 437:, led by Kitovani and Ioseliani, takes power in Tbilisi and assures the return of 3180: 2873: 2758: 2741:

The Tbilisi War remains a difficult memory for much of the capital's population.

2587:

Eduard Shevardnadze becomes the head of the Georgian state as soon as March 1992.

2383: 2363: 2198:, states then that "at this point, we have no idea where Georgian voters stand." 2146: 1763: 1602: 1598: 1508: 1364: 1296: 1122: 796:, launching several assaults on the regions outside of Tbilisi's control between 782: 592:

and that would lead to the creation of the separatist Republic of South Ossetia.

584:, the militarization of the conflict divides Tskhinvali in two, thus launching a 483: 379: 238: 2410:, suffers largely during the coup. According to Murman Omanidze's testimony and 1702:, across the street from the Parliament, catches fire. The Russian press agency 2883: 2567: 2552: 2520: 2337: 1827: 1717: 1610: 1198: 1194: 1067: 1021: 996: 733: 671:, the new government proceeds to close a majority of newspapers supporting the 574: 542: 506: 383: 256: 5615: 2900: 2698:

imprisoned by Gamsakhurdia during the beginning of the Ossetian rebellion, on

1178:

and nicknamed "Lemi" (ლემი, or "Lion" in Svan) also fights for the president.

904:

would later write that these provocations are direct threats for a civil war.

2794: 2786: 2715: 2671: 2596: 2472: 2411: 2226: 2170:

Another demonstration of around 2,000 Gamsakhurdia supporters takes place on

2097: 1943: 1793: 1710: 1688: 1443: 1375: 1332: 1261: 1130: 1121:, which includes merely a fraction of its 15,000 original soldiers following 793: 721: 691: 562: 554: 510: 272: 207: 1624: 2878: 2600: 2419: 2121: 1986: 1911:, which recognize Georgian independence the day of the Council's creation. 1872: 1520: 1465: 1144:'s war efforts, claims that the other side has no more than 250-300 men by 1032: 957:. They are all imprisoned in the Ortachala Prison in the south of Tbilisi. 934: 923: 916: 912: 908: 897: 766: 741: 699: 668: 660: 581: 518: 403: 387: 247: 2064:

Zviad Gamsakhurdia states his last speech from his bunker in the morning:

1570:, where he is defending the Georgian neighborhoods of the city during the 1519:

and government leaders fortify themselves within the Parliament building,

615:

The Act of Restoration of Georgian Independence is signed on 9 April 1991.

2798: 2648: 2320: 1884: 1838: 1811: 1797: 1759: 1721: 1695: 1679: 1614: 1594: 1551: 1547: 1536: 1535:, designating the building as the opposition's military headquarters. On 1447: 1388: 1356: 1328: 1279: 1269: 1230: 1185:

press conference by the Military Council, the latter condemns the use of

1078: 954: 875: 835: 646: 533:

The South Ossetia war is one of the main criticisms against Gamsakhurdia.

345: 60: 4609:"After the Soviet Union: Rebels in Georgia Free 8 Political Prisoners". 2500: 1957:, controlled by the opposition and less than one kilometer north of the 1628:

Hotel Tbilisi becomes, in December 1991, the HQ of the armed opposition.

557:, starts to demand a larger autonomy from Tbilisi as early as the later 5797:

Gviritishvili, Igor (5 January 1992). "President Called on to Resign".

2888: 2711: 2659: 2536: 2504:

Jokhar Dudayev, President of Ichkeria, welcomes Gamsakhurdia in Grozny.

2261: 1789: 1567: 1540: 1469: 1427: 1415: 1287: 1202: 1059: 961: 950: 946: 695: 639: 570: 177: 4585:

Pace, Eric (8 January 1992). "Experts Call Georgia's Future Unclear".

4113: 1327:, according to this version of the facts, may have had until 07:00 on 406:, is ravaged by the conflict, which mainly consists of a siege of the 5268:

Kochetkov, Albert (6 January 1992). "'Peaceful Silence' in Tbilisi".

4950:

Kochetkov, Albert (4 January 1992). "Council Abolishes Prefectures".

4168:

Golyaev, Aleksey (3 January 1992). "President on Peaceful Solution".

3417: 2725:. As of today, South Ossetia remains under the separatists' control. 2722: 2707: 2699: 2679: 2675: 2644: 2592: 2524: 2509: 2484: 2453: 2449: 2441: 2415: 2379: 2352: 2345: 2341: 2274: 2222: 2202: 2171: 2155: 2105: 2089: 2074: 2050: 2045:

3 January protesters fleeing after an attack by the Military Council.

2030: 2022: 2009: 2005: 1998: 1990: 1970: 1962: 1950: 1861: 1854: 1454: 1344: 1257: 1250: 1206: 1182: 1171: 1159: 1145: 1028: 976: 972: 942: 938: 878:, the situation becomes violent when demonstrations organized by the 839: 808: 801: 737: 589: 566: 529: 509:

from the communist world lead to a chain reaction that witnesses the

352: 67: 5650: 5648: 5073:"Supporters of Georgia's President Stage a Protest Without Incident" 3239: 1989:. Thus, while Georgian television falls under opposition control on 1724:

and, while the sounds of missiles thrown against Parliament and the

720:

Several political opponents are also persecuted by Gamsakhurdia. In

569:

communists rise until a declaration of sovereignty is proclaimed in

358:. The coup, a violent representation of the chaos that engulfed the 5831: 5169:

Kochetkov, Albert (5 January 1992). "5 Jan 'Relatively' Peaceful".

3134: 2822: 2636: 2563: 2407: 2278: 2101: 2080: 1927: 1904: 1767: 1698:

results in a temporary victory of the presidential forces, but the

1485: 1315: 1235: 1190: 1154: 1125:'s secession, contributes to the majority of troops protecting the 1055: 830: 797: 786: 710: 596: 430: 359: 150: 5723:

Ovcharenko, Georgiy (6 January 1992). "Gassiyev on Implications".

2934:. Tbilissi: Publishing House Petite, 2009. ISBN 978-9941-9063-6-7. 2463:

Karkarashvili's militia imposes strict rules on the population. A

2269:

exiled Georgians are attempting to reach Baku before crossing the

987: 302: 252: 173: 155: 5805: 5645: 5626: 5574: 3418:

International Institute for Democracy, Council of Europe (1997).

2640: 2540: 2532: 2403: 2367: 2282: 2265: 2238: 2234: 2026: 1994: 1939: 1655: 1648: 1618: 1587: 1512: 1493:, Russian military leaders accomplished both of these objectives. 1411: 1348: 1210: 1186: 1175: 1039: 729: 680: 620: 487: 395: 374:

against several paramilitary organizations unified at the end of

159: 85: 81: 4898:"Declaration of the Military Council of the Republic of Georgia" 4183:

Ovarchenko, Georgiy (6 January 1992). "Army Withdrawal Denied".

3789: 3575: 3258: 732:

and 56 members of the Mkhedrioni militia, including its leader,

686:

because of Gamsakhurdia's allegations of collaboration with the

5489:

Kochetkov, Albert (3 January 1992). "'Amateur Radio' Reports".

4651:

Official Website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia

3908:

Dvali, Zurab (4 January 1992). "Tbilisi Commandant on Events".

3673: 3671: 3651: 3649: 3394: 3392: 3390: 3388: 3386: 3366: 3364: 3362: 3360: 3153: 3115: 3096: 3077: 3058: 3039: 2809: 2559: 2464: 2427: 2378:, but this claim was never verified by international press. On 2375: 2253: 2179: 1977:

is named military governor of Tbilisi by the Military Council.

1935: 1842: 1770:. The Health Ministry announces after during an interview with 1732:

to publish America's first reaction on the Georgian civil war:

1633: 1583: 1546:

The opposition's preparations are largely made on the night of

1435: 1407: 1379: 1149: 1000: 824: 714: 632: 426: 411: 5693:

Shanayev, Valeriy (5 January 1992). "Situation Still Stable".

5436:

Minayev, Igor (4 January 1992). "Foreign Minister on Flight".

4806:

Official Website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia

4698:

Pons, Sophie (5 January 1992). "President Offers Referendum".

4040:

Urigashvili, Besik (4 January 1992). "Compromise Impossible".

3629: 3627: 3558: 3556: 3340: 3338: 3336: 3316: 3314: 3312: 3292: 3290: 3288: 3286: 3284: 3282: 3280: 2670:

An even more direct consequence is the situation unveiling in

2635:. After a few months, Gamsakhurdia returns to Georgia through 2468:

during the conflict, while others are given a one-day permit.

858:

However, none of these reforms calms Kitovani and his allies.

402:, the main thoroughfare of Tbilisi since the beginning of the 336:, is an internal military conflict that took place in the new 4818: 2836:

events a "violent and anti-constitutional military coup". In

2682:, Tengiz Epitashvili, the presidential representative in the 2655: 2612: 2604: 2246: 2125: 1826:, Giorgi Khaindrava, and the titular head of the Mkhedrioni, 1579: 1575: 1461: 1423: 1109:

Zviadist fighters taking cover behind the Parliament building

558: 479: 363: 5708:

Shanayev, Valeriy (4 January 1992). "'Fragile Lull' Holds".

5451:

Kochetkov, Albert (6 January 1992). "Extradition Possible".

3755: 3690: 3668: 3646: 3459: 3457: 3383: 3357: 1926:

Constitution, but this restoration will only happen in late

937:, Valery Kvaratskhelia, a TV producer, ends up in prison on 819:

following the resignation of several government leaders. An

769:, Zviad Gamsakhurdia signs an executive decree creating the 5536: 3624: 3553: 3333: 3309: 3277: 2837: 2833: 2829: 2828:, the Georgian Parliament adopted a resolution calling the 2825: 2770: 2651: 2632: 2616: 2195: 1923: 1908: 1900: 1864: 1857: 1800: 1704: 1457: 1450: 1419: 1399: 1272: 1265: 1253: 1167: 1081: 683: 623: 600: 514: 467: 422: 375: 355: 348: 70: 63: 5519: 5517: 5515: 4419:

American Association for the Advancement of Slavic Studies

4290: 4273: 4271: 4269: 4267: 2686:, joins the Military Council and pledges to keep his last 1378:, nearly eleven months after the end of the conflict, the 1363:, claiming that three ministers (Foreign Affairs Minister 1319:

Vladimir Lobov, head of the Soviet army from 1989 to 1991.

1302:

The Union of Afghans, a militia made of veterans from the

999:, Tbilisi is a divided city. The Gldani, Nadzaladevi, and 3882:"New Georgian Defense Minister Vows to Prevent Bloodshed" 3835:

Kochetkov, Albert (4 January 1992). "Leaders Deny Coup".

3738: 3736: 3734: 3454: 2264:

border at 09:20 and, escorted by 12 vehicles, arrives in

1758:

The most severe battle of the coup d'état takes place on

1665: 1360: 1347:, he repeats his accusations and nicknames the coup the " 941:, and Goga Khindasheli, regional secretary of the NDP in 792:

Kitovani largely collaborates with Gamsakhurdia's war in

687: 5226: 5224: 4512: 4510: 4508: 4363: 4361: 4359: 4357: 4355: 4139: 4137: 4135: 4133: 4089: 4087: 4085: 4083: 4081: 4079: 4077: 4075: 2555:

asking for solidarity from the Armenian intelligentsia.

2104:, the Military Council to "terrorists and criminals" on 1264:

Society, which was organized as a political movement in

1136:

Sources become blurrier in the second week of the coup.

470:, a communist and authoritarian federation. Despite the 5555: 5512: 4264: 4245: 4226: 4757: 4755: 4445: 4333: 3731: 3714: 3712: 3607: 3605: 3603: 3601: 3599: 3597: 3536: 3534: 3514: 3512: 3496: 3494: 2444:, in charge of preserving peace within the capital. A 1597:, according to the witness testimony of former deputy 5221: 4505: 4352: 4130: 4072: 2976:. Ashgate Publishing, Ltd., 2005. ISBN 0-7546-4503-7. 1674:

The Kashveti Church becomes a target during the coup.

5816: