Thousands turn out for Georgian billionaire's funeral

Thousands took to the streets today in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi for the funeral of billionaire Badri Patarkatsishvili.

Patarkatsishvili, 52, collapsed and died in his home near London two weeks ago. British pathologists said he had severe heart disease.

Police are still conducting toxicological tests that are expected to be completed in several weeks.

With family and friends present, Patarkatsishvili was buried in the garden of his Tbilisi home.

Patarkatsishvili had helped lead anti-government protests in November and was under investigation in Georgia on charges of plotting to overthrow the government.

He denied the accusations, but acknowledged offering a senior police official 100 million dollars if police agreed not to respond with force during street protests after the January election.

Patarkatsishvili left Georgia in November and lived in self-imposed exile in Britain and Israel.

Patarkatsishvili built his fortune in Russia after the break-up of the Soviet Union through a partnership with fellow tycoon Boris Berezovsky, one of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s most vocal foes.

Campaigning from Britain, Patarkatsishvili ran for president last month, losing to the incumbent, Mikhail Saakashvili. Opposition groups say the vote was rigged.