Although representatives from the government quickly announced that Zhvania’s death was caused by carbon monoxide poisoning from a improperly installed gas heater, Georgians first believed it was an act of terrorism connected to the car bombing in Gori. Both Russia and South Ossetia immediately denied any involvement. Human rights activists and political opposition parties began accusing the government of a cover up Thursday. Independent medical experts claimed that the investigation was not being carried out thoroughly, citing inconsistencies in official statements. The NGO Former Political Prisoners for Human Rights demanded that the government form an oversight committee made up of independent experts and journalists, but received no official reply. The Georgian government maintains that Zhvania’s death was a tragic accident and, as of Monday February 7, agreed to invite FBI specialists to aid in the investigation. No official statement has been made about when the experts will arrive.

The promise of an investigation by the FBI is not calming the rumors of a government cover-up. In informal interviews conducted Sunday, February 6, the day Zhvania was buried, everyone questioned believed Zhvania was murdered. Whether the rumors are true or false is secondary to the fact that many Georgians are now comparing Saakashvili’s handling of this death to the cover-ups that occurred while Shevardnadze was president. The fact that many other serious crimes are not being openly investigated only adds to people’s concern.

Saakashvili has repeatedly supported the official version of carbon monoxide poisoning, but has made no statements concerning the allegations of sloppy investigation techniques, or the reported inconsistencies. His lack of initiative in dealing with people’s concerns is only adding to their distrust. While he has asked the country to stand behind him during this time of transition, he has not provided any concrete proof of why Georgians should trust his administration to handle this investigation without any sort of oversight. In light of the past year’s allegations of corruption in the government, these latest rumors could serve to alienate more of his supporters.

In addition to the concerns of a government cover-up, experts in Georgia are expressing doubt that the government can find a replacement for Zhvania who compares to his considerable political experience and ability. Several names have been proposed by the Georgian media, including State Minister Kakha Bendukidze, Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze, Chairman of the Supreme Court Kote Kemularia, Defense Minister Irakli Okruashvili and Zurab Nogaideli, the Finance Minister. Having assumed the responsibilities of the prime minister himself, Saakashvili on 8 February nominated Nogaideli to the position. This quickly drew fire from Parliamentary speaker Nino Burjanadze, who openly disapproved of the nomination.

A political vacuum could not have occurred at a worse time for Georgia. Currently there is an extensive privatization program underway, largely overseen by Zhvania, that requires stability and investor confidence. In addition, the new peace plan for South Ossetia is still in its initial stages; any interruption could kill the initiative. Due to the current lack of OSCE borders monitors on the Chechen, Ingusheti and Dagastani borders, Georgia is susceptible to Russian accusations of rebel fighters crossing into Georgian territories.

The FBI involvement lends credence to the investigation, but Georgian experts and activists also need to be involved. The faster Saakashvili can prove to the nation that there is nothing to hide, the easier it will be to win back their trust and remove the shadow of suspicion that is hanging over the administration.