Abkhazia’s Repatriation Chairman Raises Concerns Over Deportation of Umit Ashba

SUKHUM / AQW’A — Chairman of Abkhazia’s Repatriation Committee, Vadim Kharaziya, spoke to the press regarding the deportation of Abkhaz citizen Ümit Ashba by Russia on the morning of 15 February, as he arrived from Türkiye to vote in the presidential elections.

Kharaziya expressed deep concern over the incident, highlighting Ashba’s long-standing Abkhazian citizenship and calling for clarification from Russian authorities on the reasoning behind the decision.

Reflecting on past diplomatic efforts, Kharaziya recalled the period of heightened tensions between Russia and Türkiye in 2016, when Abkhaz diaspora organisations and senior officials worked to maintain balance and cooperation between all parties. He emphasised that in his decade of service, both as Chairman of the Repatriation Committee and later as Abkhazia’s representative in Türkiye, there had been no major obstacles from neighbouring states in repatriation efforts.

“I have personally taken part in discussions on repatriation in Türkiye, Jordan, and other countries, and in all cases, I witnessed open cooperation, including from Russian authorities,” Kharaziya noted, adding that embassies had even remained open on weekends to facilitate these efforts.

Given this history of cooperation, he stated that the sudden deportation of an Abkhaz citizen raises serious concerns.

“As of now, I do not know the exact details of what transpired at the border that led to Ümit Ashba’s deportation. However, what is clear is that this situation demands urgent clarification.”

"Ümit Ashba is a respected citizen of the Republic of Abkhazia. He has been a citizen not since 2022, as some have claimed, but since 1993. He has regularly travelled to Abkhazia for years, attending major state events without any issue. Until now, there has never been a problem," Kharaziya stated.

"I do not understand the reasoning behind this decision. I have already raised the issue with Abkhazia’s acting president and contacted Russian officials, yet no clear explanation has been given."

Russia Blocks Abkhaz Voters, Issues Deportation Orders

Ümit Ashba was among several Abkhaz citizens barred from entering Russia as they attempted to reach Abkhazia for the elections. Passengers who landed in Adler from Istanbul were stopped at the border and handed deportation orders.

In a video statement, Ashba described what had happened:

"I flew to Sochi this morning to take part in the elections. Upon arrival, the Russian authorities informed me that I had been deported until 2034. I firmly believe my only ‘crime’ is opposing Badra Gunba and Bzhania. If I had committed an actual crime, I would have been arrested long ago and banned years before today."

Kharaziya, who has been involved in repatriation efforts for over a decade, urged Russian authorities to provide an explanation.

"I sincerely hope that the Russian Federation will investigate this matter and take appropriate measures. A resolution must be reached within the framework of the law."

Ashba is not the only one affected. Renowned Abkhazian musician Baras Kudzba was also denied entry at the Abkhaz-Russian border on election day. Russian authorities issued him a deportation order, barring him from the country for the next decade.

Kudzba, a prominent opposition figure, was an active participant in protests against former president Aslan Bzhania. With no official statement from Moscow, questions remain over the motivations behind these deportations.

Kharaziya: “This Issue Cannot Be Ignored”

During his address, Kharaziya also reflected on broader concerns about Abkhazia’s political future:

"If what we are hearing is true, this is a serious moment. We must not remain silent. It is critical that we seek the truth and demand justice."

He emphasised that in all his years working on repatriation, he had never encountered such an incident targeting Abkhaz citizens returning to their homeland.

"The situation is truly disturbing. I have spoken with Russian officials, but I have yet to receive a clear response."

Kharaziya further underscored the need for transparency and a measured response to the unfolding events:

"To be frank, I do not wish to speculate or make baseless accusations. However, it is crucial that this situation is clarified. Right now, many rumours are circulating, and it is essential to rely on verified information.

"We must stand against these restrictions and ensure that future generations do not endure the same fate.

"Words fail to capture the gravity of this situation, but one thing is clear—we must act now."

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