Breaking news: Mass protests shake Abkhazia over controversial property deal
Protesters break-into government buildings in Abkhaziaʼs capital due to disputed Russian investment agreement. Local opposition leaders take control of parliament while demanding leadership change
Demonstrators in Abkhaziaʼs capital took direct-action today‚ breaking through parliamentʼs security barriers with a pick-up truck (which shows how determined they were). At least 8 people got medical help after the break-in
The crowd stormed both parliament and presidential offices in Sukhumi because of a real-estate deal with Russia thats making locals worried. Eshsou Kakalia‚ an ex-deputy prosecutor who leads opposition got control of the building
Abkhazian society had only one demand: to protect the interests of our citizens and our business
The whole thing started about a month ago when Kristina Ozgan and Russian minister Maxim Reshetnikov signed papers in Moscow. This deal would let Russian companies invest more in local property — something that many Abkhaz dont like
The break-away region which split from Georgia back in early 90s depends on Russian money but locals fear being priced-out of their homes. Most countries still think Abkhazia is part of Georgia but Russia (who recognized it about 15 years ago) keeps sending cash to this Black Sea area
Its not the first time people here got mad at leaders:
- In 2020 Raul Khadzhimba had to quit after street fights
- Around 10 years ago Alexander Ankvab ran away when people took over his office
- Just this week they blocked roads to free some construction-law protesters
The government now says its ready to take back that investment agreement but people still want Aslan Bzhania the current leader to step down
