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Abkhazia Protesters Storm Parliament, Clash with Police Over Russia Investment Deal Allowing Land Sales

Nov 15, 2024, 11:18 AM

On November 15, 2024, protests erupted in Abkhazia, a Russian-backed breakaway region of Georgia, as opposition groups rallied against the ratification of a controversial investment agreement with Moscow. Demonstrators in Sukhumi stormed the parliament building, breaching fences and security barriers. Protesters argue that the agreement would grant Russian investors preferential treatment, enable the sale of land to Russians, disadvantage local businesses, and threaten Abkhazia's sovereignty. Security forces deployed tear gas and smoke bombs to disperse the crowds, but clashes continued between protesters and law enforcement. The parliament session was canceled after MPs failed to agree on the agenda, and President Aslan Bzhania left the administration building amid the unrest. The administration is reportedly preparing a document to revoke the ratification of the agreement in an attempt to stabilize the situation. Some protesters called for the president's resignation and stormed the grounds of the Russian embassy.