Detentions Spark Protests Amid Rising Tensions in Abkhazia
Gumista Bridge blocked as protesters demand release of detained opposition figures.
SUKHUM / AQW'A — Protests erupted across Abkhazia's capital on Tuesday after security forces detained five opposition figures, in what critics are calling President Aslan Bzhania's most forceful move yet against political opponents.
Armed officers surrounded and detained Omar Smyr, Garry Kokaya, Almaskhan Ardzinba, Ramaz Dzhopua, and Aslan Gvaramia as they returned from a public meeting in Gudauta. Video footage showed more than ten security officers involved in the arrests, with some of the detainees reportedly thrown to the ground.
The arrests triggered immediate public outrage. Families of those detained gathered outside State Security Service headquarters demanding answers, while protesters blocked the key Gumista bridge. Demonstrators were firm in their stance, with Deputy Kan Kvarchia declaring, “We will not leave here until the people detained yesterday and today are released." Military vehicles were later seen moving toward the presidential administration building as protests spread to Sukhum's Freedom Square.
"Bzhania has gone all-in, beginning arrests of opposition members. But this 'decisiveness' could lead to his administration's downfall," warned journalist Inal Khashig.
The crackdown comes just days before parliament is set to debate a controversial Abkhazia-Russia investment agreement, which requires ratification by the Abkhazian parliament to enter into force.
"Today, our colleagues, former deputies, patriots, and professionals, have been detained as if they were dangerous criminals. The administration seeks to frighten, yet such actions have always had the opposite effect in Abkhazia," stated opposition leader Adgur Ardzinba.
"You all witnessed the detention of our associates today. Among them are two former parliamentarians, a lawyer, a former presidential administration official, an athlete, and a patriot. There were detentions prior to this as well.
Regrettably, in his address at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Aslan Bzhania made a statement referring to all of us, an extensive part of our country, as extremists. During the war, Shevardnadze called our fathers ‘separatists’; today, on our own land, we are branded as extremists.
On what grounds are political figures being detained? Moreover, the manner of these detentions was conducted as if they were dangerous criminals. Had they simply been summoned to the State Security Service, they would have gone voluntarily.
This indicates that, lacking any real legitimacy, Aslan Bzhania has resorted to supposedly intimidating methods in an attempt to instill fear, but such tactics have historically had the opposite effect here in Abkhazia."
— Adgur Ardzinba
Government-aligned media outlets have claimed that the detained opposition members were involved in disorderly conduct, including an alleged incident near the parliament building involving MP Almas Akaba. However, no formal charges or detailed explanations have been provided by the authorities, adding to public frustration and speculation.
Hero of Abkhazia Vianor Ashba condemned the detentions, calling on the people of Abkhazia to “stand up in defence of the homeland.” Ashba further alleged that the administration’s actions amount to “selling the lands we once preserved,” a sentiment resonating with many Abkhazians who are uneasy with the current leadership.
"Stand up, our Motherland is in danger!" declared Hero of Abkhazia Leuan Mikaa, who joined the protesters at the Gumista bridge
After four hours of silence, Prosecutor General Adgur Agrba finally addressed the arrests, citing "illegal actions and profane language" toward a parliament deputy as justification. Opposition supporters called the explanation absurd, noting that even if true, such charges wouldn't warrant the violent detention tactics used.
Aiashara, news agency sharply criticised the Prosecutor General's selective approach to justice: "We didn't hear his statements when war veterans, journalists, and Abkhazian citizens were attacked. Nor did he speak up when the Ministry of Internal Affairs blatantly violated the law in detaining Tengiz Agrba." The agency noted that "Adgur Agrba remained silent even when war veteran Anzor Sabua shared accounts of abuses he suffered in a psychiatric hospital simply for expressing his opinions," concluding that "It appears that the people of Abkhazia only hear Adgur Agrba's voice when it serves the interests of those in power. In all other cases, the Prosecutor General's Office under his leadership remains silent."