Georgia 'terminates' opposition tycoon's citizenship
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 11 October 2011 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Georgia 'terminates' opposition tycoon's citizenship, 11 October 2011, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4eaaa7e619.html [accessed 5 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
October 11, 2011
Georgia billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili
Georgia has revoked the citizenship of a billionaire tycoon, undermining his bid to form a political party and participate in parliamentary elections.
Georgia's Public Registry Agency said in a statement that Bidzina Ivanishvili's Georgian citizenship had become invalid because he has also taken French citizenship.
The agency did not specify when the decision was made to "terminate" his Georgian citizenship.
Ivanishvili is one of Georgia's richest men, with a fortune estimated at $5.5 billion by "Forbes" magazine.
Last week, he said he planned to form a political party to challenge President Mikheil Saakashvili in parliamentary polls scheduled for next year.
compiled from agency reports
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
