Anti-government protesters storm parliament building in Abkhazia over controversial Russian agreement
Protesters breach parliament building in the breakaway Georgian region of Abkhazia amid fury over draft agreement with Russia
Scuffles broke out between security forces and demonstrators outside the parliament building in the regional capital, Sukhumi, with footage shared on social media showing protesters pushing through a police cordon and entering the building.
The unrest began on Thursday after the Abkhazian parliament began debating a draft agreement that would see Russia take over control of key state assets, including the republic's energy sector and its border with Georgia.
The agreement has sparked outrage among many Abkhazians, who fear it will lead to the loss of their independence and the further erosion of their sovereignty.
Protesters gathered outside the parliament building in Sukhumi on Thursday, demanding the withdrawal of the draft agreement. They were met by a heavy police presence, and scuffles broke out as demonstrators tried to force their way into the building.
Footage shared on social media showed protesters pushing through a police cordon and entering the parliament building. They were seen waving Abkhazian flags and chanting slogans against the Russian agreement.
The storming of the parliament building is the latest in a series of protests against the draft agreement. Last month, thousands of people took to the streets of Sukhumi to demand its withdrawal.
The Abkhazian government has defended the agreement, saying it is necessary to ensure the republic's security and economic development. However, critics say it will lead to the loss of Abkhazia's independence and the further erosion of its sovereignty.
The unrest in Abkhazia comes at a time of heightened tensions between Russia and Georgia. The two countries fought a war in 2008 over the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Russia recognized the independence of both regions, but Georgia still considers them to be occupied territories.
The draft agreement between Russia and Abkhazia has raised concerns in Georgia, which fears it will lead to the further annexation of Abkhazia by Russia.
