Hundreds of demonstrators have gathered in front of the parliament in Sukhum, Abkhazia, demanding that MPs scrap an investment agreement with neighboring Russia. According to videos from the scene, some protesters breached the security perimeter while reportedly pelting law enforcement officers with stones and other projectiles.
The protests were triggered by a controversial investment agreement with Moscow, which critics claim will place significant strain on the local tourism industry while giving Russian businesses an unfair advantage. MPs had been slated to vote on the ratification of the document on Friday, but the session was canceled as lawmakers failed to approve the day’s agenda. Parliament Speaker Lasha Ashuba blamed “unprecedented pressure on the deputies.”
Abkhazia broke away from Georgia after the collapse of the Soviet Union and was recognized by Russia in 2008, following the armed conflict with Tbilisi earlier that year.
Videos from the scene showed an agitated crowd along a high fence around the parliament building, with law enforcement officers standing on guard. Other footage featured demonstrators tearing down a section of the fence and making their way to the square in front of the building.
One clip showed what appeared to be a fire truck attempting to slowly drive through the crowd to seal off the entrance, but ultimately failing as it was pelted with rocks from all sides. Several protesters then stopped the vehicle and smashed the driver’s window. There were also reports of clashes between demonstrators and police, as video from the scene suggested some protesters used firecrackers.
Eight people have been taken to hospital as a result of the protests, the Health Ministry said. There have so far been no reports of any arrests, as Interior Minister Robert Kiut and the head of the State Security Service of Abkhazia, Dmity Kuchuberia, headed to talk to the protesters. Two opposition representatives were later allowed to enter the parliament for talks with lawmakers, according to TASS.
In a statement shared by local media, the opposition stressed that the protest is not aimed at undermining ties with Russia, but rather at protecting Abkhazia’s national interests and natural resources. However, it claimed that President Aslan Bzhania is attempting to use these ties with Russia for his personal benefit.
The unrest started earlier this week, with protesters temporarily blocking several key bridges in the republic on Tuesday while demanding the release of five opposition activists detained by authorities. The group were released later the same day.