Protesters have broken into the parliament in the breakaway Georgian region of Abkhazia, reports the Russian state-controlled agency RIA. Videos from the area show the protesters getting through the security fence surrounding the parliament with the help of several trucks. The protesters can be seen using circular saws to break through the doors of parliament. Protesters throw objects at the security forces and in return they throw smoke grenades at the protesters. Russian media are currently reporting at least nine injuries as a result of the protests. It is unclear exactly how many protesters have turned up. Photo: IMAGO / NTB Gives up agreement Former deputy public prosecutor and opposition leader Eshsou Kakalia says the parliament building is under the control of the protesters. – We will now ask that the sitting president of Abkhazia resign, he says according to Russian Interfax. There have been large demonstrations in Abkhazia in recent days as a result of a bill that could lead to more Russian investments. Abkhazia is a popular holiday destination for many Russians, and the bill allows Russian companies to buy land and property in the region. Many in Abkhazia are afraid that this will price the local population out of the real estate market. Lawmakers in Abkhazia were scheduled to vote on the proposal on Friday. Now Reuters reports that Abkhazia’s president has given in to the protesters’ demands and is choosing to scrap the proposed agreement with Russia. Demonstrators piled up in front of the entrance to the parliament. Photo: SipaUSA / NTB The decision was announced by the press office of the president, and they say it was made to “stabilize the situation in the republic”. Interfax reports that the political opposition in the region has made a statement that the protesters are not against cooperation between Russia and Abkhazia. – Abkhazians had only one demand: to look after the interests of the people and our businesses. But neither the president nor the parliament chose to listen to the voice of the people until now. Close ties to Russia Abkhazia is part of Georgia under international law, but separatists took control of large parts of the region in 1993. Russia recognized Abkhazia and one other breakaway region, South Ossetia, as independent states in 2008, after Russian forces repelled a Georgian attempt to regain South Ossetia in a five-day war. Despite the close relationship between Abkhazia and Russia, many residents are concerned about increased Russian influence. Russia has military bases in both South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Published 15.11.2024, at 13.24 Updated 15.11.2024, at 16.12
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Georgian breakaway region scraps pro-Russian agreement after protests – news Urix – Foreign news and documentaries
