Protesters storm Abkhazia's parliament over deal
Protesters in Abkhazia, a Russian-backed breakaway region of Georgia, stormed the parliament building in the capital Sukhumi, demanding the resignation of self-styled president Aslan Bzhania over a controversial investment agreement with Moscow. Demonstrators used a truck to breach the parliament's metal gates, with video footage showing people climbing through windows after removing metal bars.
Initially, the protest aimed to oppose an investment agreement that critics feared would enable wealthy Russians to acquire property in the Black Sea region at the expense of locals. However, the situation escalated into calls for Bzhania's complete removal from office. Opposition leader Temur Gulia expressed surprise at this development, noting it wasn't their original intention.
At least nine people were hospitalized following the unrest, which included protesters breaking into the presidential administration offices located in the same complex. Bzhania, who became president in 2020, stated via Telegram that he would neither resign nor flee, confirming ongoing talks with opposition representatives.
Russia, which recognized Abkhazia's independence in 2008 following a brief war with Georgia, expressed concern about the "crisis situation" and advised its citizens against traveling to the region. Independent expert Olesya Vartanyan suggested the crisis stems from increasing Russian pressure for greater returns on its financial support to Abkhazia.
If Bzhania falls, he would be the third leader toppled since 2008. The opposition clarified their actions weren't against Russian-Abkhazian relations but accused Bzhania of manipulating these ties for personal gain. While most of the world recognizes Abkhazia as part of Georgia, the region has maintained de facto independence since the early 1990s with Russian military and economic support.
The presidential administration has indicated preparations to withdraw the controversial investment agreement, though protesters maintain they won't leave until Bzhania resigns.
