Georgiy Kabisov is an Ossetian politician from the partially recognized Caucasus Republic of South Ossetia.

Georgiy Kabisov
Chair of the State Committee of Information, Communication and Mass Media
PresidentEduard Kokoity
Personal details
Political partyIndependent (Until 2022)
Iron (Since 2022)
SpouseZarina Kabisov
OccupationPolitician

Biography

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Chair

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As chair of the State Committee of Information, Communication and Mass Media on 6 August 2011, Kabisov denounced the movie 5 Days of War as "Hitler propaganda" and claimed that the United States are the "patrons" of Nazis. He also stated that Georgia and Mikheil Saakashvili where "spiteful aggressors" in the Russo-Georgian War.[1]

2011 election

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Kabisov would run as a candidate for the 2011 South Ossetian presidential election as an Independent.[2] Kabisov was considered the frontrunner as the pro-Russian candidate,[3] however, he would win just 7.5% of the vote in the first round, and be eliminated from the run-off.[4]

2012 election

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Kabisov attempted to run for president again in the 2012 South Ossetian presidential election, however, the Central Election Commission denied his candidacy twice.[5]

Arrest

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In 2017 Kabisov was arrested on charges of committing economic crimes, abuse of office, and illegal acquisition and possession of weapons and was sentenced to eight years in prison. Kabisov called the arrest politically motivated and a stunt by Anatoly Bibilov to quash opposition.[6] General Prosecutor Uruzmag Jagayev, announced that "special equipment" was found in Kabisov's home, and that he was collecting blackmail information on politicians. Kabisov's family insisted that all the "special equipment" was store bought and is readily available throughout Russia. Zarina Kabisov, Georgiy's wife, insisted that his arrest was retaliation for founding a telecommunications company in North Ossetia called Elektrosvyaz, which was supposed to be the name of a new South Ossetian state telecommunications company.[7] While in prison Georgiy went on an unsuccessful hunger strike.[8] Additionally, his family and close supporters worked with Alan Gagloev on his successful 2022 bid for president, with Kabisov being pardoned and released in June 2022.[6]

Iron

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Shortly out of prison, Kabisov attempted to launch a political comeback, namely by beginning the groundwork to form his own political party named Iron in 2022, hoping to be a successor of an earlier anti-Russian party of the same name which was denied registration in 2010.[6]

Iron's first congress was held on 8 April 2023, the 22nd anniversary of the adoption of South Ossetia's common law.[9] The party's organizing committee was headed by Zhanna Kochieva, a former member of parliament for United Ossetia and consists of 17 former high-ranking politicians including Yuri Dziztsoity.[9] The party claims to follow socialist principles, and intends to build South Ossetia into a socialist state.[9]

References

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  1. ^ "Georgy Kabisov: Everybody knows who is an aggressor – including the West". State Information Agency. 8 June 2011. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  2. ^ "South Ossetia picking first president since war". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Associated Press. 13 November 2011. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  3. ^ Fuller, Liz (11 November 2011). "Four Candidates Quit South Ossetian Presidential Race". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  4. ^ von Twickel, Nikolaus (14 November 2011). "S. Ossetia Split on Kremlin Nominee". The Moscow Times. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  5. ^ "Georgy Kabisov again is being nominated as the president of South Ossetia". State Information Agency. 11 January 2012. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  6. ^ a b c Tarkhanova, Zhanna (3 December 2022). "New parties in South Ossetia – who and why". jam-news.net. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  7. ^ Tarkhanova, Zhanna (17 February 2018). "South Ossetia's ex-minister accused of illegal arms possession while he blames the leadership of fraud". jam-news.net. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  8. ^ "South Ossetia: former Telecom Minister goes on hunger strike in SIZO". Caucasian Knot. 13 July 2018. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  9. ^ a b c Келехсаева, Ирина. "«"Ирон" – это высокая планка»". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Retrieved 9 April 2024.