Shooting in Parliament: MP Vakhtang Golandziya Killed, Kan Kvarchiya Injured
Vakhtang Golandziya, who tried to mediate, lost his life in the shooting.
SUKHUM / AQW’A — A fatal shooting in the parliament building in Sukhum has resulted in the death of MP Vakhtang Golandziya and left opposition member Kan Kvarchiya injured.
The incident occurred during a parliamentary session discussing a proposed law to ban cryptocurrency mining. An argument erupted between MPs Adgur Kharaziya and Kan Kvarchiya. According to official accounts, Kharaziya drew a firearm and opened fire. Golandziya, who attempted to mediate, was struck and fatally injured.
Golandziya was transported to the Republican Hospital in a state of clinical death. Acting Chief Physician Erik Khathua reported that resuscitation efforts were immediately undertaken but were unsuccessful. “Unfortunately, Mr Golandziya passed away,” Khathua stated.
Kan Kvarchiya sustained a through-and-through gunshot wound to the shoulder as well as a head injury. Khathua confirmed that a team of surgeons is attending to Kvarchiya, and his condition is reported to be stable.
Suspect Adgur Kharaziya
Adgur Kharaziya, the suspect in the shooting, is a sitting MP and a former mayor of Sukhum. He fled the scene immediately after the incident, according to Acting Minister of Internal Affairs Robert Kiut. Law enforcement authorities have launched a manhunt to apprehend him.
Kharaziya’s political career spans decades. Born on 12 February 1959 in the village of Bagmaran, Gulrypsh District, he served as head of administration for the Gulrypsh District from 1993 to 2002. He subsequently held the post of Minister of Agriculture from 2002 to 2003. In October 2014, he was appointed head of administration for the city of Sukhum, a role he held until his resignation in October 2019.
Kharaziya has been elected as an MP three times, in 2007, 2012, and 2022. However, his career has not been without controversy. In December 2020, he was involved in a shooting incident in Sukhum, during which a person was injured. Criminal charges were filed in connection with that case.
Government Response
Acting Abkhazian leader Badr Gunba convened an emergency meeting to address the incident and was briefed by the General Prosecutor’s Office on the measures being taken. Gunba also visited the Republican Hospital to meet with medical staff and assess the situation involving the injured.
The shooting has sparked widespread concern over security within the Abkhazian parliament. Calls have been made for a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances of the incident and ensure accountability.