Welcome to this week's 'Abkhazia: Weekly Brief,' where we spotlight key developments.
This edition covers the ongoing public outcry over the arrest and beating of a minor, sparking widespread calls for justice and police reform. President Aslan Bzhania recently addressed national issues on Apsua TV, drawing critical feedback from the veterans' organisation 'Aruaa.' Inal Khashig discusses significant political shifts in Georgia, suggesting Ivanishvili may sever EU ties to restore “territorial integrity”. Meanwhile, First Deputy Prime Minister Dzhansukh Nanba has provided updates on the December 2024 opening of Sukhum Airport, which is expected to create 500 jobs. We also honour the legacy of Mirra Khotilashvili-Inal-Ipa, a revered scholar whose work has profoundly impacted Abkhazian cultural studies. For more news and continued updates in this series, scroll below.
The arrest and beating of a minor two weeks ago continues to stir public outrage in Abkhazia. New details have emerged about the incident, which occurred on the night of April 16th to 17th when police detained Georgiy Gamgiya while he was walking home from his aunt's nearby house. This event, widely covered by the "Apsny (Abkhazia) Portal" Telegram channel, has led to widespread calls from civic activists for a full investigation and accountability. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Child Rights Commissioner are both involved in the ongoing inquiry, yet there has been criticism over the lack of transparency, particularly the failure to disclose the identities of the officers involved.
Liya Agrba, civil activist, Kama Argun, NGO "Panorama", Lana Chkadua, Women's Development Fund, Elita Kokoskeria, civil activist, Yulia Dubitskaya, NGO "Panorama", Rozita German, Foundation "Asarkia", Naida Abidova, civil activist, Elona Turava, civil activist, Elena Kuvichko, Foundation "Asarkia", Liana Kvarchelia, public figure, Alisa Pachalia, NGO "Amch", Eleonora Giloyan, journalist, Laura Benia, civil activist, Said Gezerdaa, lawyer, Alexandra Bargandzhia, civil activist, Valeria Arshba, civil activist, Aida Ladaria, NGO "Sukhum Youth House", Asida Adleiba, NGO "Diabetic Society of Abkhazia"
Civil activists across Abkhazia have condemned the detention and assault of the minor in his own home, highlighting serious flaws in the protection of child rights by authorities. They demand an immediate and comprehensive investigation, legal accountability for the offending officers, and systemic reforms within the police department to prevent future abuses. The collective voice of the activists emphasizes the urgent need for law enforcement to uphold, not violate, the rights of the vulnerable.
On Thursday, 2 May, Aslan Bzhania convened a meeting with the leaders of security structures. They discussed not the case of a teenager beaten by police but the recent incident involving Deputy Gerkhelia (who forcibly took a phone from Izida Chania) and the shooting in the capital the previous day. The meeting was attended by Vice President Badra Gunba, Presidential Administration Head Abesalom Kvarchia, Attorney General Adgur Agrba, Minister of Internal Affairs Robert Kiut, Chief of the State Security Office Dmitry Dbar, and Chairman of the State Security Service Temur Akhiba, as reported by Apsua TV.
In a recent interview with Apsua TV, President Aslan Bzhania discussed various national issues, which has prompted a critical response from the veterans' organisation "Aruaa," representing veterans of the Georgian-Abkhazian War of 1992-1993. The group accuses the president of using the platform to kickstart his re-election campaign while neglecting pressing national concerns and past promises. The full statement from "Aruaa" is presented on AW, detailing their grievances and calling for accountability and reform.
President Bzhania's interview on Apsua TV, the state-owned television channel.
The 'Apsny Portal' on Telegram sought comments from Adgur Ardzinba, the head of the 'Abkhazian People's Movement', regarding President Aslan Bzhania's recent interview with state broadcaster Apsua TV (AGTRK). Ardzinba described the president's performance as "pathetic," arguing that after four years in power, Bzhania should be showcasing his achievements rather than criticising the opposition, a task he noted falls outside the president's duties.
In his analysis for JAMNews, journalist and political analyst Inal Khashig explores the complex political landscape in Georgia, particularly in relation to the controversial 'Foreign Influence Transparency Law' proposed by the ruling party, Georgian Dream. Khashig posits a provocative hypothesis: the Kremlin might be offering to help restore so-called ‘Georgia's territorial integrity’ in exchange for adopting this law, similar to Russia's 'foreign agents' legislation. Unlike the Soviet-era (after 1931) setup where Abkhazia and South Ossetia were merely subordinate parts of the Georgian SSR, the proposal allegedly seeks to create a confederal state.
ON THE (CON)FEDERAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GEORGIA
The 1925 constitution of Abkhazia, reinstated on 23 July 1992, implied a confederal relationship with Georgia. Discussions regarding the nature of this confederation were ongoing when tensions escalated. An interview with Abkhazian delegate Zurab Achba, scheduled to air on Georgian television on August 13, was never shown. The very next day, Georgian troops invaded.
When Georgian troops entered Abkhazia on August 14, the Abkhazian authorities were engaged in discussions about confederative ties with Georgia. Earlier, a draft treaty outlining this confederation had been prepared by Abkhazian Taras Shamba and published in the newspaper ‘Abkhazia’ at the end of June 1992. Even after the conflict, Abkhazia proposed the same federative solution, but it was rejected by the Georgian side. Consequently, frustrated by Georgian tactics that prolonged and undermined negotiations for a final settlement, Abkhazia formally declared its independence in late 1999.
Of course, it is not possible to discuss this option now. Abkhazia has made its final decision on independence, and this decision will not change at the initiative of any external power.
See the sources below:
+ Geneva Talks Envoy Says Negotiations Fruitless (21 April 1994)
+ Abkhazia agrees to Form 'Joint Single State' (29 January 1996)
+ Georgii Anchabadze: In any case Georgia should take most of the blame
+ The TV Debate Program on Georgian - Abkhaz Conflict | Moscow, October 17, 1992
“If before the armed aggression of Georgia against Abkhazia on 14 August 1992 the Abkhazian people and the Parliament of Abkhazia expressed their desire to have federative relations with Georgia, and this desire was voiced in the draft-treaty published on the initiative of the Abkhazian side before the war, then today, after the atrocities and the bloodshed, we can only talk about confederative ties with Georgia at best. There are, however, very few supporters of this idea on either side.”
― Stanislav Lakoba, Minister of Security in Abkhazia, former speaker of Abkhazian Parliament A Report At A London Conference On North Caucasus and Abkhazia 23th April, 1993 (‘Abkhazia is Abkhazia’ - Central Asian Survey, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 97–105, 1995)
Inal Khashig, commenting to 'Abkhaz Portal' on the recent developments in Georgia, believes that Ivanishvili is ready to sever ties with the European Union to 'restore territorial integrity.' Khashig highlights the potential risks for Abkhazia from the growing closeness between Russia and Georgia, urging all political forces to engage in direct talks with Georgia. This, he asserts, is crucial to ensure that no external decisions are made without Abkhazian consent. He emphasised, 'When you refuse to negotiate, others may negotiate for you!'
Mingrelian writer Tengiz Ablotia responds skeptically to Inal Khashig's claims about Georgia's political shift toward Russia and its impact on Abkhazia. He describes Khashig’s perspective as paranoid and disconnected from reality, likening Bidzina Ivanishvili's logic to that of a delusional psychiatric patient who thinks he is Napoleon, coherent in his delusion but utterly detached from reality. He emphasises that empires do not trade allies for favours, dismissing the idea that Russia promised territorial returns for adopting the law. Ablotia advises skepticism regarding the appearance of logical and consistent actions from Georgian leadership, warning Abkhazians not to seek logic in Ivanishvili's actions.
Georgia is in turmoil as the 'Georgian Dream' party reintroduces the controversial ‘foreign agents’ bill, sparking massive protests. Alexander Kavtaradze reports for AbkhazWorld on the crisis that could reshape the country's political landscape.
Dzhansukh Nanba, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Transport, highlighted ongoing challenges in Abkhazia’s energy sector, including a 23% technical loss and a low payment collection rate of 14% despite the installation of 27,000 metering devices. He discussed the need for improved infrastructure management and the potential benefits of additional transmission lines and mini gas-powered generators. Efforts to curb energy consumption from cryptocurrency mining are also ongoing, with significant seizures of mining equipment reported.
Since the start of the year, Abkhazian authorities has seized more than 600 cryptocurrency mining devices, a response to the region's aging infrastructure that struggles under heavy energy demands. [Also see: https://fb.watch/rQC77E4PQK/]
Dzhansukh Nanba also outlined key updates about the impending start of Sukhum Airport, set for December 2024, expected to employ up to 500 people, mostly locals. A partnership with Rosaviation (Federal Agency for Air Transport of the Russian Federation) will train 15 Abkhazians at Russian universities. The airport’s first test flight is planned for June, aiming to boost local interest.
Izida Chania highlights the illogical state of Abkhazia’s economy, particularly its key tourism sector, which despite being touted as the economic driver, scrambles every tourist season as if unexpectedly. Despite a glaring unpreparedness in infrastructure and services, the sector is eager to host even more visitors. Last year, 1.5 million tourists contributed only about $7 each to the treasury, barely covering the cost of garbage disposal, making tourism not just unprofitable but costly for the country. Additionally, the 2022 repeal of the resort fee, which collected minimal funds, further strains financial resources.
The Telegram channel "Apsny Portal" reports that "never in the history of Abkhazia has a president, his entourage, and officials been so afraid of their own people." The channel claims that the administration of Aslan Bzhania has ordered an iron fence with spikes to hide behind in case of public protests aimed at defending the sovereignty and security of Abkhazia. "Aslan Bzhania can talk at length about his love for the people and his concerns for the future of the country and nation, but this fence is the real demonstration of that so-called 'love' and 'care.' Even in the hardest of times, even during war, no one has hidden from their own citizens quite like Aslan Bzhania," writes "Apsny Portal."
According to various sources, the building of the National Art Gallery on Pushkin Street was sold during Gudisa Agrba's tenure as Minister of Culture. The current owner is now in negotiations with the government. Restoration work has been halted. There is also information suggesting that this is not the only building Gudisa Agrba has "disposed of." Officials, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed this information.
During a Sukhum City Assembly session, Deputy Chamagua discussed the trolleybus system's status, proposing to double the fare from 5 to 10 rubles ($0.11), with a plan for free travel for schoolchildren endorsed by Sukhum’s administration head, Beslan Eshba. Some deputies opposed the fare increase, highlighting its burden on socially vulnerable populations, especially pensioners, who predominantly use this service. They requested details on the financial needs for maintaining the trolleybus fleet.
Mirra Khotilashvili-Inal-Ipa, a revered historian, archaeologist, and honoured cultural figure of Abkhazia, has passed away at the age of 95. Serving as the chief consultant for the Department of Ancient and Medieval History at the Abkhazian State Museum, she was a recipient of the prestigious 'Akh'dz-Apsha' Order of the Third Degree. Born in Tbilisi on 5 December 1928, Mirra Khotilashvili completed her education at the Tbilisi State Institute of Subtropical Agriculture in 1951. Her career began in rural management in the Gulripsh District, but it was her move to Abkhazia that marked a turning point. There, she met and married Shalva Inal-Ipa, a fellow researcher, in January 1952. Influenced by her husband, she embarked on a lifelong journey into the realms of Abkhazian history, ethnography, and archaeology.
Yandex plans to incorporate several North Caucasian languages into its Translator service. The announcement, made by David Dasania, a linguist and researcher, highlights the inclusion of languages such as Abkhaz, Abazin, Circassian, Karachay-Balkar, Nogai, Ossetian, Chechen, Ingush, and various Dagestani languages. This initiative reflects Yandex’s commitment to promoting linguistic diversity and improving communication across this culturally rich area. Dasania, who has been actively involved with the Yandex team, sought confirmation on whether these languages could be integrated into the Translator program, receiving a positive response. Moreover, Dasania has called upon the linguistic communities of the North Caucasus to contribute to this project. As the leader of the international project "Caucasus – Our Common Home," Dasania urges local communities to engage with this venture by submitting texts and participating in the project's development. For more information on how to get involved, visit https://dzen.ru/a/ZjOuQmaZSDarbJu_
Abkhazia's Hidden Giants: Exploring Earth's Deepest Caves
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