Guram Gabiskiria is “immortal example of loyalty, fighting spirit” - PM praises national hero on birthday

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Saturday said Guram Gabiskiria, the former official who had been killed by Abkhaz separatist groups in 1993 during the armed conflict in Abkhazia, was an “immortal example of devotion to the motherland, persistence and fighting spirit”.

In his message marking the Georgian national hero’s birthday, Kobakhidze noted that Gabiskiria’s name would be an example for future generations.

Today, with pain and at the same time with pride, we remember the best manifestation of the Georgian character, expressed in his unforgettable words - never in my life! [Gabiskiria refused to kneel before the Abkhaz separatist militants, after he, together with members of the Government, was dragged outside of the Parliament building]”, the PM stressed.

Gabiskiria, along with other authorities from the Government of Abkhazian Autonomous Republic, refused to leave the besieged city and was captured by Abkhaz militants and North Caucasian mercenaries during the Georgian-Abkhazian War in 1993.

All captured members of the government, including Gabiskiria, Zhiuli Shartava and Raul Eshba, were murdered by the Abkhaz militants. They were all executed without trial.