Protesters in the Georgian separatist region of Abkhazia have taken to blocking bridges leading to the capital in response to a proposed law aimed at encouraging Russian investment. The tensions escalated as police clashed with protesters at one of the bridges, although no injuries have been reported thus far.
Abkhazia, home to approximately 245,000 people, has been under separatist control since the conclusion of a war in 1993. Following a brief conflict with Russia in 2008, Georgia lost control of the remainder of the region. Despite Russia's formal recognition of Abkhazia as an independent entity, many residents are apprehensive about potential economic and political influence from their larger northern neighbor.
The recent unrest was triggered by discussions within Abkhazia's parliament regarding a proposed law that would permit Russians to acquire land and property in the region. This move has sparked concerns among opponents of the bill, leading to the detention of five individuals following the parliamentary session. Subsequently, protesters gathered at the security services headquarters in the capital, Sukhumi, demanding the release of the detainees and expressing their objections to the legislation.
The blockade of bridges commenced overnight, disrupting transportation to the capital. Abkhazian President Aslan Bzhania assured on Tuesday that efforts were underway to reopen the bridges, emphasizing the readiness of the country's law enforcement agencies to maintain security and uphold order.
