Hundreds of protesters broke into the parliament building in Abkhazia on Friday, demanding that the country’s president resign. Demonstrators are protesting against an investment agreement with Russia.
Abkhazia’s parliament had been expected to consider the ratification of the agreement with Moscow, enabling Russian companies to carry out investment projects in the country.
According to media reports, protesters used a truck to smash through the metal gates surrounding the parliament in the capital, Sukhum. Footage circulating on social media showed people climbing through windows after prying off metal bars. They were also heard chanting in the corridors.
Protesters threw sticks and stones at law enforcement officers, according to videos from the scene.
Russian news outlet Sputnik reported that protesters have entered the presidential administration through the parliament building, and are refusing to leave until President Aslan Bzhania announces his resignation.
One video shows opposition figure Levan Mikaa surrounded by demonstrators. Mikaa declared that the group will not leave the building until Bzhania’s resignation.
The protesters made several attempts to break into the parliament building on Friday, urging other Abkhazians to join them. They claimed that the accord with Russia threatens the country’s economic sovereignty and that President Bzhania is attempting to use ties with Russia for his personal benefit.
Abkhazian MPs canceled the planned session on ratification of the agreement after failing to approve it on Friday. Parliament Speaker Lasha Ashuba earlier said that only 21 of 35 lawmakers took part in the meeting due to the pressure they were facing over the issue.
Russia and Abkhazia signed an agreement at the end of October which allows Russian companies to implement investment projects in the Caucasus republic. The deal provides for significant tax benefits, including a reduced VAT rate of 5% instead of the usual 10%.
The head of the Abkhazian parliament’s international relations committee, Alkhas Bartsits, earlier said earlier that the country will not be able to find the funds to restore key sectors of the economy on its own.