Protests erupted in Abkhazia, a breakaway province of Georgia, as opposition demonstrators refused to relinquish control of government buildings seized during rallies earlier in the week. The unrest stemmed from new measures allowing Russians to purchase property in the region, sparking outrage among protesters.
The demonstrators, demanding the removal of self-styled Abkhazian President Aslan Bzhania, threatened to establish a temporary government if their demands were not met. Bzhania, supported by Russia, indicated readiness to step aside temporarily and hold early elections, despite labeling the protests as an attempted coup.
Opponents of the property agreement fear it will inflate apartment prices and strengthen Moscow's influence in the area. The standoff intensified as Bzhania proposed snap elections contingent on protesters vacating the parliament building, a condition rejected by the opposition leaders who insisted on his unconditional resignation.
Symbolically dismantling security barriers around the government complex, protesters criticized the authorities for being disconnected from the populace. Abkhazia, with a population of approximately 245,000, split from Georgia in 1993 and faced further territorial loss to Russia in 2008.
Russia recognizes Abkhazia as an independent entity, but concerns persist among locals about Moscow's control over the region. The picturesque landscapes and Black Sea beaches of Abkhazia attract Russian tourists, fueling demand for holiday homes and raising tensions over property rights.
Violence marred the protests, with clashes between opposition demonstrators and police resulting in at least 14 injuries. The unrest escalated when protesters stormed the parliament building, disrupting a session discussing the property measures. The situation worsened as arrests of opposition figures triggered widespread demonstrations, leading to blockades on routes to the capital, Sukhumi.
