On Friday, tensions escalated in Georgia's separatist region of Abkhazia as police clashed with demonstrators over a proposed measure allowing Russians to purchase property in the area. The proposed agreement, up for ratification by lawmakers in the regional capital of Sukhumi, sparked outrage among protesters gathered outside the parliament building.
Abkhazia, a region known for its picturesque mountains and Black Sea beaches, has a complex history with Georgia. Most of Abkhazia declared independence from Georgia following a conflict in 1993, and subsequent events, including a brief war with Russia in 2008, further strained relations. While Russia recognizes Abkhazia as an independent state, concerns persist among many Abkhazians about the extent of Moscow's influence in the region.
Opponents of the property agreement fear that it would disproportionately benefit Russians, leading to increased apartment prices and further solidifying Moscow's control over Abkhazia. The tensions reached a boiling point when protesters attempted to breach the parliament building, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.
During the clashes, which involved the throwing of rocks and eggs by the crowd, police deployed tear gas to disperse the demonstrators. Despite the intensity of the confrontation, there were no immediate reports of arrests or injuries.
Notably, the recent arrest of five opposition figures at a prior demonstration had already fueled widespread protests in the region, culminating in the blockade of bridges leading to Sukhumi. The ongoing unrest underscores the deep-seated divisions and grievances surrounding the issue of property rights in Abkhazia.
