The rambling compound where he and his followers lived became a self-styled 'independent republic'.

The latter prevailed, and since the 1994 ceasefire it has functioned as a de-facto independent republic.

There was no police force, parliament or unified financial system in the self-proclaimed independent republic.

After 1838 it was an independent republic and held regular elections.

Belvedere, like its neighbours, retreated into itself and in effect formed a little independent republic.