Mikaa and Kvarchia: Citizenship Revocation Politically Motivated
Kan Kvarchia (left) and Leuan Mikaa during a press conference in Sukhum.
SUKHUM / AQW’A — Two prominent opposition figures in Abkhazia, Leuan Mikaa and Kan Kvarchia, have alleged that their Russian citizenship has been revoked without official notification, describing the move as politically motivated and tied to former President Aslan Bzhania. Speaking at a press conference in Sukhum, the pair voiced concerns about the broader implications for Abkhaz politics and the suppression of dissent.
Mikaa and Kvarchia expressed frustration over the lack of official communication regarding the alleged revocations. Mikaa insisted that neither he nor Kvarchia had violated Russian laws or acted against Russia’s interests.
“We have always acted in the interests of our homeland, our country, and this has not been to the detriment of the Russian Federation,” Mikaa stated.
Kvarchia, echoing Mikaa’s sentiments, criticised the absence of due process. “We have not received any official notification about the revocation of our Russian citizenship. We do not know why this has happened. We have not broken any Russian laws,” he said.
The two opposition figures alleged that the revocations were part of a politically motivated campaign driven by Bzhania, who they claim sought to suppress opposition voices. “This is happening according to lists drawn up by Aslan Bzhania,” Kvarchia remarked.
Leuan Mikaa, a Hero of Abkhazia and director of the Abkhaz Language Development Fund, is a former Member of Parliament (MP) and the grandson of renowned Abkhaz poet Bagrat Shinkuba.
Kan Kvarchia, a veteran MP, has been a key advocate for strengthening Abkhazian-Russian relations. Both leaders were instrumental in the November 2024 protests against a controversial Russian-Abkhaz investment agreement, a movement that ultimately led to Bzhania’s resignation and early elections.
Reports indicate that the revocation of Russian citizenship also extends to Tayfun Ardzinba, a former MP of Turkish-Abkhaz descent and a prominent figure in Abkhaz-Russian economic relations. The timing of these alleged decisions has raised questions about their intent.
Criticism of Bzhania’s Legacy
The opposition figures sharply criticised Bzhania, accusing him of damaging Abkhaz-Russian relations and fostering an atmosphere of political suppression. Mikaa stated, “Bzhania’s policies led to the deterioration of Abkhaz-Russian relations. The slander he perpetuated has spilled over into anonymous channels.”
The criticism extended to current political candidates, with both Mikaa and Kvarchia urging them to clarify their positions on Bzhania’s alleged actions. “It is essential for the presidential and vice-presidential candidates to take a stand on this issue and outline whether they plan to continue Bzhania’s policies,” Kvarchia said.
Mikaa and Kvarchia raised broader concerns about the state of political rights in Abkhazia, highlighting the impact on war veterans and opposition figures. Kvarchia remarked, “It seems that being a patriot of your country has become dangerous.”
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The silence of Abkhaz officials, including parliamentary leaders, has also come under scrutiny. “Three war veterans and three MPs from different terms have been stripped of citizenship, yet our officials remain silent,” Kvarchia said, calling the situation “a slap in the face to the Abkhazian state.”
Mikaa criticised the Abkhaz prosecutor’s office, accusing it of focusing on politically motivated cases while ignoring corruption and other pressing issues. “Our laughable prosecutor’s office, which turns a blind eye to embezzlement and the plundering of the country, has started an investigation into Apollon Shinkuba. It seems that war veterans are a problem not only for Bzhania but also for our prosecutors,” Mikaa stated.
Both leaders urged transparency and accountability from Abkhaz officials and criticised the lack of response from parliamentary figures. Kvarchia called on presidential candidates to publicly address the issue, while Mikaa demanded clarity on the current administration’s stance on Bzhania’s influence.
The allegations have drawn significant attention within Abkhazia, with opposition groups and civil society viewing the situation as a test of the country’s commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law. As the controversy unfolds, observers will closely monitor the response from Abkhaz authorities and the implications for Abkhaz-Russian relations.