National Security Council Discussed Failed Mutiny

(Tbilisi. March 29, 2003. Civil Georgia) – The Georgian National Security Council discussed today mutiny of the former servicemen of the National Guard on March 23-24.

General Prosecutor Nugzar Gabrichidze told the reporters after the meeting that the investigation is on at the moment. ?15 veterans are detained and we are looking for others which might be linked to the mutiny,? he added.

Late on March 23 dozens of ex-servicemen of the National Guard occupied military base in capital city and disarmed the guard of the base.

19 mutineers surrendered police on March 24. A Tbilisi District Court on March 26 sentenced 15 former servicemen of the National Guard to three-month detention while further pre-trail investigation goes on. 4 alleged mutineers were released.

Georgian leadership says ?certain forces? stood behind the mutiny, aiming at destabilizing situation in the country, while the veterans of the National Guard claim social hardship triggered their desperate move.