In a new interview, Merab Rapava, a former policeman, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs during Georgia's first national government, and Head of Sukhumi Criminal Police, offers his firsthand account of Georgia's turbulent transition from a Soviet republic to an independent state. Drawing from his professional experiences in law enforcement, Rapava reflects on the origins of the Georgian-Abkhazian conflict, including the pivotal Lykhny Assembly and the subsequent bloody clashes. He provides a detailed chronology of events leading up to the 1991-1992 coup, recounting key moments from the perspective of a high-ranking official. The discussion also delves into the aftermath of the coup, including the criminal case against President Zviad Gamsakhurdia, the release of "Mkhedrioni" members from prison, and the unresolved circumstances surrounding Gamsakhurdia's death. Rapava’s testimony provides a unique glimpse into the complex political and security landscape of the era. Many thanks to https://girchi.com/ for organizing such insightful and thought-provoking interviews — they provide a valuable platform for understanding Georgia’s history and present challenges. https://www.youtube.com/@dabadeba.
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