Jaba Ioseliani Died After Stroke

(Tbilisi. March 4, 2003. Civil Georgia) – Jaba Ioseliani, leader of the former paramilitary group Mkhedrioni, which terrorized Georgia in early and mid-90, died today at age 76. He was hospitalized after the stroke on February 26.

Jaba Ioseliani was one of the most influential politicians before 1995, when he was arrested for organizing the assassination attempt against Eduard Shevardnadze, banditry, and the illegal possession of arms and drugs. In 2001 President Shevardnadze pardoned Ioseliani.

Ioseliani together with his paramilitary group Mkhedrioni was an active participant and the leader of the coup against President Zviad Gamsakhurdia in early 1992. After Gamsakhurdia was ousted Jaba Ioseliani obtained top position in the government.

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