Protesters storm parliament in Georgia separatist region Abkhazia over deal with Russia

NEWS WIRES

15 November 2024 at 8:57 am·1-min read

Protesters stormed the parliament of Georgia's Russia-backed breakaway region of Abkhazia on Friday while the government was set to discuss a real-estate investment agreement with Russia. Some Abkhaz fear the deal would price them out of the property market and boost Moscow's control in the region.

Protestors stormed the regional parliament in Abkhazia on Friday, forcing the government to halt an investment deal with Russia that some fear will spoil the breakaway Georgian region's natural beauty.

The Black Sea separatist region is backed by Moscow but recognised as part of Georgia by most of the world.

It has been thrust into turmoil over concerns that a proposed investment deal with Russia could see apartment complexes mushroom in a region famed for its natural beauty and beaches.

Russian news agencies posted videos showing hundreds of demonstrators barging into the regional parliament on Friday, where lawmakers had gathered to discuss ratifying the treaty.

The state-run TASS news agency said protesters also took control of the presidential adminstration building, adjoining parliament.

Amid the unrest, the president of Abkhazia announced plans to halt the treaty.

(AFP)

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