Body Of Ex-Georgian Prime Minister To Be Exhumed

Georgian prosecutors have ruled that the body of former Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania will be exhumed as part of an investigation into his death.

Prosecutor Revaz Nadoi told journalists in Tbilisi on September 30 that Zhvania's family allowed the exhumation, which will be conducted by foreign forensic experts.

Zhvania and the deputy governor of Georgia's Kvemo Kartli region, Raul Yusupov, were found dead in a Tbilisi apartment in 2005.

Investigators initially said the deaths were caused by carbon monoxide poisoning due to a faulty gas heater.

Investigations into the case were relaunched in 2012, after the Georgian Dream coalition came to power.

In March this year, photos leaked to the Internet allegedly showed bruises and other marks on Zhvania's body.

Parliament deputy speaker Manana Kobakhidze (eds: a woman) told RFE/RL on September 30 that the probe has nothing to do with politics.