Georgia: clashes in separatist Abkhazia over a pro-Russian measure

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Demonstrators opposed to a measure which would have allowed Russians to buy real estate in the Georgian territory of Abkhazia stormed the Parliament building and that of the presidential administration of this separatist region on Friday.

At least eight people were injured in the melee that took place in the regional capital of Sukhumi on the Black Sea, media reported.

Parliament was scheduled to discuss ratification of the measure, but postponed the session when protesters gathered outside the gates of the government complex. They broke down a gate with a truck and rushed inside the compound, throwing stones at police who responded with tear gas.

« Down with the president!“, launched one of the demonstrators. “But in addition to our demand for the resignation of the president, we ask that Parliament impose a moratorium on the agreement (with Russia) and on the law on apartments (controversial law on construction of up to 10,000 apartment-hotel units in eastern Abkhazia). If our people do not get two moratoriums today and the president does not resign, I think you should not leave this place ».

President Aslan Bjania’s office later announced it was preparing a decree to withdraw the measure from consideration. Police then left the Parliament building, but protesters remained there, demanding Mr Bjania’s resignation. Protesters also stormed the presidential administration building and vowed to stay there until Mr. Bjania resigns and early elections are called.

Most of Abkhazia broke away from Georgia during the armed conflict that ended in 1993, and Georgia lost control of the rest of the territory during the short war with Russia in 2008. Russia recognizes Abkhazia as an independent country, but many Abkhaz fear that this region of around 245,000 inhabitants is onlya client state of Moscow.

Opponents of this real estate agreement believe that it would drive up real estate prices and strengthen Moscow’s dominance in the region. The mountains of Abkhazia and the beaches of the Black Sea make it a popular destination for Russian tourists, and demand for vacation homes could be strong.

The arrest of five opposition figures during a similar demonstration on Monday sparked widespread protests the next day, during which bridges leading to Sukhumi were blocked.