After the Revolution

Today Georgia’s richest man, Badri Patarkatsishvili – who died under what were considered “suspicious” circumstances earlier this month – was laid to rest in Tbilisi to the applause of thousands of Georgians.

Patarkatsishvili was considered a “robber baron and philanthropist,” according to an article published by EurasiaNet.org. His wealth helped finance Georgia’s Rose Revolution.

The billionaire had been living in exile in England after being charged of plotting a coup in Georgia. Patarkatsishvili made his fortune in Russia during privatization after the fall of the Soviet Union and was wanted by authorities there as well.

The mix of dignitaries who saw him off included U.S. Ambassador to Georgia, John Tefft; a group of Israeli diplomats; and Georgian Orthodox Church Patriarch Ilia II. Also in attendance was the mayor of Tbilisi, who once called Patarkatsishvili “a devil.”

Patarkatsishvili is believed to have died of a heart attack on Feb. 13, though some still suspect he was bumped off a la Alexander Litvinenko, the KGB dissident who was murdered by radioactive poisoning in England in November 2006.

To see some great photos from Reuters of the mourning crowd, click here.