Unrest erupts in Abkhazia after opponents of Russian ‘investments’ agr

Tensions are rising in Abkhazia after the detention of five opposition activists. Following the arrests, people began to gather near the headquarters of the Security Council in Sukhumi where clashes broke out.

Opposition supporters blocked roads and bridges, demanding the release of the detainees. The head of the self-proclaimed republic, Aslan Bzhania, held an emergency meeting of the Security Council. It is reported that military was stationed in the city centre.

As the chairman of the State Security Council, Dmitry Kuchuberia noted at the meeting that “during the riots at the gates of the building, there were physical altercations with state security employees and one person rammed into the gate with this vehicle.”

According to the general prosecutor, the detainees had tried to attack a member of the Abkhazian parliament after an extraordinary session, with their actions also accompanied by “foul language.”

The protests began on 11 November, when the individuals who were detained had opposed the ratification of an investment agreement with Russia, under which Russian companies will be able to implement projects in Abkhazia, as well as receive the right of ownership of land and property.

The agreement, which is set to be ratified on 15 November, specifically provides for the construction of “multifunctional complexes.”

On the same day, opponents of the Russia-backed leader Bzhania are going to hold a large rally to oppose Russian “investments” and the fulfilment of Sukhumi’s “obligations” to Moscow.

In September, Moscow responded to the unwillingness of Abkhazian authorities to ratify the agreement by announcing a sharp reduction in funding for the territory.