In the Abkhaz Society, There Is Outrage Over What Happened to Karbaia
The Abkhaz community has been actively discussing for several days the death of Karbaia, a resident of the Tquarchal district and a Georgian citizen
Vitaly Sharia | Ekho Kavkaza ― The Abkhaz community has been actively discussing for several days the death of Karbaia, a resident of the Tquarchal district and a Georgian citizen. Online sources vary in their naming, referring to him as either Temur, Vital, or Vitaly. The only unequivocal information comes from a mourning notice issued by his relatives, featuring a portrait of the deceased. It announces that his funeral will take place on Saturday, 16 December, in the village of Tsarcha.
Yesterday, a statement was posted on the website of the Human Rights Commissioner of the Republic of Abkhazia, Anas Kishmaria. It mentioned that, in light of available information, she had sent requests to the Attorney General, the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Gal district Prosecutor, and the Head of the Gal District Police Department. She urged them to swiftly conduct investigations based on this information and report their findings to her office. Kishmaria emphasised the unacceptability of using disproportionate physical force and violence against detainees, also reminding law enforcement officials to respect the constitutionally guaranteed human rights and freedoms in Abkhazia.
+ Law Enforcement or Lawlessness? Examining Temur Karbaia's Fatal ArrestAbkhazia and Georgia: A Selective Approach to Human Rights
Following the distressing event on December 9th in Gal, Abkhazia, where 40-year-old Georgian citizen Temur Karbaia tragically lost his life, questions arise about the response of both Abkhazian and Georgian authorities to human rights issues.
In contrast, Georgian politicians swiftly condemned the incident, portraying it as a clear human rights violation.
This hypocrisy is further illustrated in the kidnapping cases of Abkhazian citizens David Sigua and Garry Djopua by Georgian Special Forces. David Sigua, the Chairman of the Gal Electoral Commission, was abducted from Gal town on 3 February 2007. Despite appeals to the Georgian government and the EU, his whereabouts remain unknown. In November 2010, Harry Dzhopua was taken by Georgian police and reappeared a month later near Nabakevi village, seriously injured from torture and disoriented, showing signs of heavy psychotropic drug use
Both instances received no attention from Georgian officials or international organisations, highlighting a pattern of selective human rights advocacy.
This selective approach from both sides demonstrates a concerning regional trend. Both Abkhazian and Georgian officials are quick to denounce transgressions against themselves, yet often ignore their own misconduct or wrongdoings towards the other side.
Strengthening Ties: Abkhazia and Syria's High-Level Diplomatic Engagement
In a high-level diplomatic meeting, Abkhazian Foreign Minister Inal Ardzinba was warmly received by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad at the "Al-Muhajirin" Presidential Palace.
The leaders discussed their commitment to a more equitable system of international relations and the significance of multipolarity in the global economic and political arena. President Assad expressed his dedication to expanding the recognition of Abkhazia's state sovereignty, particularly within the Arab world.
Discussions extended to the sphere of economic development, particularly the attraction of foreign investments to boost the economies of both Abkhazia and Syria.
The talks also focused on regional security issues, including the situation in the Gaza Strip.
During a working visit to Syria, Abkhazian Foreign Minister Inal Ardzinba engaged in a significant meeting with representatives of the Abkhaz-Abaza and Circassian diaspora and the board of directors of the Circassian Charity Association.
Ardzinba discussed regional and international issues and the dynamics of Abkhazian-Syrian relations, emphasising the role of diaspora communities in strengthening these ties.
Abkhazia Commemorates the 31st Anniversary of Lata Tragedy
Abkhazia solemnly marks the 31st anniversary of the harrowing Lata tragedy. On 14 December 1992 the troops of the State Council of Georgia shot down the helicopter Mi-8 carrying refugees from Tquarchal town, which was occupied by the Georgian forces. 85 people were killed, including 36 children and 35 women. 8 of the diseased women were pregnant.
In those hard days for the Abkhaz people, Tquarchal was occupied by the Georgian forces and the only way to rescue people from cold, starvation and bombings. On 14 December 1992 the helicopter was returning from Tquarchal to Gudauta and was full of people. After taking off from Tquarchal the helicopter was supposed to cross the Kodor Gorge over the Lata Village and then to fly along the Abkhaz mountain range and the Bzyb gorge all the way to Gudauta. The surface-to-air missile interrupted the flight and took away the lives of the people.
As we reflect on this somber anniversary, our thoughts are with the victims of the Lata tragedy and their loved ones. We remember the lost dreams, the extinguished hopes, and the unfulfilled potential of each life tragically cut short.
May their souls rest in peace, and may their memories inspire us to forge a world where such tragedies are relegated to the annals of history, never to be repeated.
Doukas's Insight: Circassians and Abkhazians in Timur's Conquest
Doukas (c. 1400 – after 1462), a Byzantine historian who flourished under Constantine XI Palaiologos, the last Byzantine Emperor, reported in his work "History of Byzantium" that before the Battle of Ankara in 1402, the famous medieval commander Timur (Tamerlane) journeyed from Persia to the regions of the Don. There, he gathered the Scythians along with the Zykhians (Circassians) and Abasgians (Abkhazians).
Doukas writes ("Doukas, The Decline and Fall of Byzantium to the Ottoman Turks," translated by Harry J. Magoulias, Wayne State University Press, 1975, p.90):
"With the coming of Spring, lo, Temir-khan went from Persia to the regions of the Don and gathered the TauroScythians, Zykhians, and Abasgians. He demolished the fortresses of the Bosporos and then crossed to the regions of Armenia. He passed through Cappadocia with a large army, conscripting many Armenians, until he came to the region of Galatia, by which time he had an army as large as that of Xerxes of old."
Ashana Foundation Launches Fundraiser for Wheelchairs
The Ashana Charitable Foundation is intensifying its efforts to acquire specialized wheelchairs for Lasha Chichua and Denis Malishav, diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP). The complexity of their condition has led to significant mobility impairments, constraining their ability to move freely, socialize, and engage with their surroundings.
To address these challenges, the foundation is focusing on the acquisition of custom-made wheelchairs. These wheelchairs are not just mobility aids but are designed following principles that encourage as much independent activity as possible, providing support only where it's necessary.
Rehabilitation equipment for children with CP is crafted to support the torso and stabilize the pelvis while encouraging the use of their muscles. This design consideration ensures comfort and prevents skin damage.
It's crucial to highlight that each wheelchair is individually tailored. Factors like age, weight, height, and physiological needs are meticulously considered in the selection process. This individualized approach is vital as an improperly fitted wheelchair can exacerbate health issues.
The total cost of these specially designed wheelchairs is 649,225 rubles ($7,255). Given that the families of these children are unable to bear this cost, the Ashana Foundation is actively seeking donations to make this essential equipment accessible.
Supporters can contribute through various means, including SMS donations and bank transfers within Russia and internationally. More details about donation methods are available on the Foundation's website and through their contact number +7 (940) 773-50-50.
This initiative by the Ashana Foundation is more than just a campaign; it's a step towards improving the quality of life for children struggling with the challenges of cerebral palsy.