Welcome to the second issue of the Abkhazia Weekly Brief
In this edition, we spotlight a crucial decision by the Abkhazian Parliament to reject proposed amendments aimed at intensifying penalties for defamation. This legislative choice, marking a stand for freedom of speech, reflects a broader commitment to maintaining an open environment for public discourse and media freedom in Abkhazia. The rejection of these amendments, along with alternative proposals to the Criminal Code, underscores the Parliament's resistance to laws that could unduly limit criticism and silence dissent. By upholding these democratic principles, the Parliament fosters a society where diverse opinions can flourish without fear of severe legal repercussions.
The Abkhazian Parliament has rejected proposed amendments aimed at intensifying penalties for defamation. The proposals, initiated by the President's administration, did not pass legislative scrutiny.Additionally, the deputies did not support an alternative set of amendments to the Criminal Code introduced by Deputy Khutaba. It is important to note that Parliament had previously rejected amendments proposed by the prosecutor's office as well.
A notable incident marred the parliamentary session when Deputy Astamur Gerkhelia forcibly took a phone from Izida Chania, a journalist who was recording the proceedings. Despite protests from fellow legislators, Gerkhelia left the session with the device, which was subsequently returned.
Ruslan Khashig, the Chairman of the Union of Journalists of Abkhazia, has condemned the deputy's actions. In a statement [English version], Khashig declared the act as unacceptable, arguing it interferes with the duties of an accredited journalist within the Parliament. He stressed the importance of respecting journalists’ rights to cover events unhindered, expressing hope that such incidents will not recur.
Thursday, 25 April: An extended session of the Committee on State-Legal Policy of the People’s Assembly of Abkhazia, led by Daut Khutaba, recently convened to deliberate on a proposed amendment to the Criminal Code. The amendment aims to refine criminal legislation, notably by introducing criminal penalties for insults, particularly those made publicly via online platforms. The proposal, which also seeks to increase penalties for existing offenses, was discussed as an alternative to another draft amendment. However, after thorough discussions and voting, the committee decided not to endorse the draft law for approval in the upcoming parliamentary session.
The Parliamentary Committee on State-Legal Policy opted not to recommend a bill proposing stringent defamation penalties, which including imprisonment, due to concerns it could undermine freedom of expression. The proposed bill had faced harsh criticism from the opposition, who argued that it could undermine freedom of expression and democratic participation.
Prime Minister Alexander Ankvab welcomedChyngyz Rayimbekov, the new head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Mission in Abkhazia. They discussed the ICRC's projects and future plans, with Ankvab acknowledging the vital role the organisation has played in past humanitarian challenges. Emphasising the Government's commitment to the ICRC's mission, particularly in finding missing persons from past conflicts, Ankvab assured Rayimbekov of ongoing support for the ICRC's vital humanitarian work.
The Second Abkhazian Medical Forumtook place in Sukhum from April 22 to 23. President Aslan Bzhania recently met with Russian Health MinisterMikhail Murashko during the Second Abkhazian Medical Forum in Sukhum. Bzhania thanked Murashko for Russia's support during the COVID-19 pandemic and noted the close ties between their healthcare systems. In 2023, more than 7,500 Abkhazians received medical aid in Russia, underscoring ongoing health cooperation. The event also highlighted educational ties, with 144 Abkhazian students currently studying in Russian universities. Murashko highlighted the importance of medical education and reiterated Russia's commitment to ensuring high-quality care for all patients in Abkhazia, including visiting tourists. In recognition of his contributions, Murashko was awarded the Akhdz-Apsha (Order of Honour and Glory), Second degree. The forum also included participation from health ministers of Transnistria and South Ossetia, emphasising regional collaboration.
The Abkhazian government has earmarked 100 million rubles ($1 million USD) for its 'Support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Program' for the year 2024. This funding will support a variety of sectors, including crafts, industry, catering, and tourism. Interested SMEs registered in Abkhazia can apply from April 29 to May 17. Applications are accepted at the State Investment Agency in Sukhum. Applicants must comply with the program's criteria and submit the required documents for participation. Further information is available on the Ministry of Economy's website.
The spring conscription for compulsory military service began on April 23. Following tradition, on the first day of the draft, representatives from the military commissariats, conscripts, and their parents participated in a flower-laying ceremony at the Memorial to the Fallen in the Patriotic War of the People of Abkhazia 1992-1993 located in the Park of Glory in Sukhum. The Ministry of Defense oversees the general management and control of the activities related to the conscription of citizens of the Republic of Abkhazia into active military service. The spring draft period ends on June 30, 2024.
President Aslan Bzhania addressed the Armenian people on the Day of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide victims.
"Today, we mourn together with the Armenian people. In our country, as throughout the world, we honour the memory of the victims of the early 20th-century tragedy. Abkhazia's stance has been and remains consistent: we have always believed that there can be no justification for the mass murder of people.Such events cannot be erased from people's historical memory."
― Aslan Bzhania
We should note that Aslan Bzhania did not utter a single word, aside from attending official ceremonies, about the victims killed and displaced during the war, during the Commemoration Days of the Victims of the Russian-Caucasian War, held on May 21. In 1990, the Assembly of the Mountain Peoples of the Caucasus gathered in Sukhum to recognise May 21st as the Day of Remembrance for the victims of the Russian-Caucasian War and their enforced deportation; in their published declaration, they stated:
"However, the most severe trial that befell us was the 50-year anti-colonial struggle with the Russian Empire. The autocracy aimed not only to conquer the Caucasus but also to exterminate and expel the rebellious mountaineers. This objective defined the barbaric nature of the war which, in essence, was genocide against our peoples.
Hundreds of thousands of individuals perished in battles, from hunger, and disease. Those who survived took refuge in the mountains or were compelled to leave their beloved homeland. Millions of expelled Muhajirs found themselves beyond the borders of our fatherland."
The World Abaza-Abkhaz Congress has initiated a cultural project titled "My Name Is" aimed at encouraging the use of traditional Abkhaz names by expectant parents. The project includes distributing free brochures to pregnant women at various health and civil registration locations throughout the republic. These brochures feature a comprehensive list of 140 male and 80 female names and provide a detailed pregnancy calendar in Russian detailing physiological changes, child development stages, and essential prenatal tests.
This bilingual resource, available in Abkhaz and Russian, was developed in consultation with ethnographers and draws uvpon the "Abkhaz Names" book and other Abkhaz literary works. The distribution of these carefully prepared materials will commence next week, following six months of preparation by the Congress. This initiative reflects a broader effort to preserve and revitalize cultural heritage among the Abkhaz and Abaza communities.
The Sukhum International Airport's comprehensive reconstruction was discussed in a coordination staff meeting led by Vice President Badra Gunba. Attendees included First Deputy Prime Minister Dzhansuh Nanba and other government officials. They reviewed the ongoing works to the runway, taxiways, and apron, all of which are on schedule. Additionally, preparations are underway for establishing a production base for material storage and the construction of cement-concrete plants, alongside the installation of perimeter fencing and equipment setup. This project is part of the broader initiative to revive and enhance the airport's operations.
Apsny,' the oldest periodical publication in Abkhazia, is the premier newspaper in the Abkhaz language.
A ceremonial meeting celebratingthe 105th anniversary of the "Аԥсны / Apsny" newspaper was held in Sukhum. The first newspaper in the Abkhaz language, "Apsny" ("Abkhazia"), began its publication journey 105 years ago on 27 February 1919. The event, dedicated to this milestone of the Republic’s first periodical, took place in Sukhum on Wednesday, April 24.
Abkhazian State University (ASU) will soon host a new school from the prestigious Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), announced ASU Rector Aleko Gvaramia. The news came during an engaging session with Sergey Markedonov, a renowned Russian political scientist and a luminary in international studies. The university plans to have top MGIMO experts in international relations deliver public lectures monthly.
Anatoly Torkunov, Rector of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) and a member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, has sent a video message to Aleko Gvaramia, Rector of Abkhazian State University (ASU), to mark the opening of the new MGIMO school at ASU.
ABHAZFED (The Federation of Abkhaz Cultural Centers in Turkey), KAFFED (Federation of Caucasian Associations), and KAFKAS VAKFI, and other caucasian organisations representing the Caucasian diaspora in Turkey, have opposed the Russian Red Army Choir concert planned for 21 May 2024 in Antalya. This date marks the commemoration of the Russo-Caucasian War victims and Genocide Day. The organisations released statements condemning the timing of the Russian Red Army Choir and Dance Ensemble’s performances in several Turkish cities during this sensitive period, calling for their cancellation.
According to information received today from the organising company, the concerts scheduled between 18-22 May 2024 have indeed been cancelled.
On April 25, Circassian Flag Day was celebrated. David Urquhart, a prominent British diplomat, is often credited with creating the Circassian flag. However, this narrative simplifies the complex dynamics of the time and overlooks significant contributors like Seferbiy Zaneqo, a key figure in the Circassian national movement. An informative video detailing the history of the Circassian Flag, prepared by AW is available on YouTube.
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