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Tengiz KitovaniGeorgian politician, Minister of Defense in 1992-1993
Date of Birth: 09.06.1938
Country:  Georgia |
Content:
- Tengiz Kitovani: A Pivotal Figure in Georgia's Political Landscape
- Involvement in Georgia's Independence Movement
- Formation of the Military Council
- Post-Gamsakhurdia Period
- Paramilitary Operations and Conflict in Abkhazia
- Arrest and Imprisonment
- Emigration and Return
Tengiz Kitovani: A Pivotal Figure in Georgia's Political Landscape
Early Life and Artistic CareerTengiz Kitovani, a prominent Georgian politician, was born in Tbilisi in 1938. After graduating from the Jacob Nikoladze Art School in 1957, he pursued his passion for art at the Tbilisi Art Academy. Upon graduating in 1967, he became the chief artist at an advertising bureau.
Involvement in Georgia's Independence Movement
In 1991, amidst Georgia's struggle for independence, Kitovani played a pivotal role as leader of the National Guard. He refused President Zviad Gamsakhurdia's demands to disarm armed groups, including the National Guard, sparking a standoff that ended with Gamsakhurdia's overthrow.
Formation of the Military Council
In the aftermath of Gamsakhurdia's expulsion, a Military Council was formed on December 29, 1991, including Kitovani and Tengiz Sigua. The council declared amnesty, resulting in the release of criminals who replenished the ranks of Kitovani's National Guard and Jaba Ioseliani's paramilitary organization, "Mkhedrioni." Allegations of mafia involvement in the coup were widespread, with Kitovani himself linked to such structures.
Post-Gamsakhurdia Period
With the opposition's victory, the Military Council dissolved on March 10, 1992, handing over its functions to the State Council. Eduard Shevardnadze became chairman, while Ioseliani became his deputy. However, tensions escalated as supporters of the exiled Gamsakhurdia, known as "Zviadists," demanded his return, resulting in a civil war.
Paramilitary Operations and Conflict in Abkhazia
Shevardnadze relied on the paramilitary forces of Kitovani and Ioseliani to combat Zviadist groups. However, their operations were plagued by looting and human rights abuses. In July 1992, Kitovani's National Guard entered Abkhazia under the pretense of rescuing a kidnapped deputy prime minister.
Arrest and Imprisonment
In 1995, Kitovani led an armed group into Abkhazia but was arrested by Georgian police. In 1996, he was sentenced to eight years in prison for organizing illegal armed formations. However, he was pardoned in 1999 due to health reasons.
Emigration and Return
Upon his release, Kitovani relocated to Moscow, where he criticized the governments of Shevardnadze and Saakashvili. In 2011, he alleged that Alexander Ankvab, the acting president of Abkhazia, had worked for Georgian intelligence during the Georgian-Abkhaz war. In 2012, Kitovani returned to Georgia, but in 2014, he was stripped of his Georgian citizenship.
