Masked Attackers Target Journalist and Civil Activist in Sukhum
On the evening of 15 September, a shocking crime took place in Sukhum when a group of unidentified masked individuals attacked journalist David Gobechia and civil activist Lia Agrba.
On the evening of 15 September, a shocking crime took place in Sukhum when a group of unidentified masked individuals attacked journalist David Gobechia and civil activist Lia Agrba. The assailants used pepper spray to blind the young people, employed physical force, and stole their personal belongings.
David Gobechia is one of the administrators of the information and analytical Telegram channel Abkhazian Portal. Lia Agrba is an active participant in several socially significant initiatives and is also involved in the youth movement ҲараҲПицунда (KharaKhPitsunda - Our Pitsunda).
The incident has sparked immediate public outrage, with various organisations, public figures, journalists, and other members of civil society strongly condemning the attack. In a joint statement, several political parties and socio-political organisations described the attack as “an attempt to thwart, at any cost, the fight for justice, democracy, and the defence of our nation’s interests.”
The English narration of Nizfa Arshba’s statement regarding this attack.
Journalist Nizfa Arshba commented on the attack, saying, "I don’t know who orchestrated this entire operation, but I am certain that the organisers did not achieve their main objective. Neither David, nor Lia, and certainly not the rest of us who openly defend the interests of our homeland, will be intimidated."
It is worth noting that in December 2023, Lia Agrba, a member of the ҲараҲПицунда (Our Pitsunda) youth movement, was also at the centre of controversy. On 22nd December, Zaala Khvartskia, Deputy Chairman of the Abkhazian State Security Service (SGB), publicly accused members of ҲараҲПицунда and other civil society organisations of attempting to destabilise the nation’s political climate. These allegations were made in the context of civil opposition to a bill concerning the transfer of a state datcha in Pitsunda to Russia, which sparked significant political tension in Abkhazia at the time. In response to these accusations, the ҲараҲПицунда youth movement demanded a formal apology from the Abkhazian State Security Service.
Lasha Zukhba: "A Government That Wears a Mask Is a Gang, Not a Government"
A veteran of the Patriotic War of the People of Abkhazia (1992-1993) and the founder of the "Union of Veterans and Youth of Apsny" commented on the attack on journalist David Gobechia and activist Lia Agrba from the Khara Khpitsunda movement.
Abkhazian Political and Civic Leaders Urge Investigation Into Assault on Civil Activists
Prominent Abkhazian political and civic leaders Kan Kvarchia, Vianor Ashba, Leuan Mikaa, and Akhra Bzhania have issued a strong statement condemning the recent attack on journalist David Gobechia and civil activist Lia Agrba. They argue that the crime is an assault on Abkhazia’s democratic traditions and values, raising serious concerns about the lack of immediate response from law enforcement.
The leaders are urging the government, led by President Aslan Bzhania, to swiftly identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice, warning that any delay will cast suspicion on the current administration’s involvement.
The full statement is as follows:
On 5 September 2024, David Gobechia and Lia Agrba were attacked.
This crime was committed against Abkhazian society, its democratic traditions, and its moral and ethical foundations.
Undoubtedly, what has occurred is a cowardly and despicable act, driven by a sense of inevitability. This is no ordinary crime! The young people attacked are individuals whose civic stance had already led to illegal harassment from pro-government activists. This fact is significant, and the danger it poses to society is obvious. We certainly have every reason to suspect that the executive authorities were involved in orchestrating this crime. We are convinced that the only way to dispel suspicions from the current government, led by President Aslan Bzhania, is to swiftly identify those responsible, make their motives public, and condemn them openly. The authorities must be more interested in this than ever before.
We draw attention to the fact that no immediate action has been taken to solve the crime. Our law enforcement agencies have not demonstrated any urgent response, such as raids or the implementation of a "capture plan," which is a troubling sign.
If this crime is not solved, then all that has happened will undoubtedly point to the involvement and direct interest of the current government in its execution. This will, in turn, reflect on the government itself, led by President Aslan Bzhania.
Aslan Bzhania must realise that the lack of an appropriate response to this incident will give others the moral right to engage in similar actions against government representatives, regardless of their rank or position.
Kan V. Kvarchia, Chairman of the Public Organisation "Aidgilara"
Vianor G. Ashba, Chairman of the Public Organisation "Aiaaira"
Leuan G. Mikaa, Chairman of the Committee for the Defence of the Sovereignty of Abkhazia
Akhra Y. Bzhania, Chairman of the Public Organisation "Akhtsatsa"
The Union of Journalists of Abkhazia has also voiced its concerns, underscoring the need for immediate action to bring the attackers to justice.
The Union of Journalists of the Republic of Abkhazia has issued a statement condemning the attack on journalist David Gobechia and activist Lia Agrba, calling for a swift investigation by law enforcement.
The full statement is as follows:
The Union of Journalists of the Republic of Abkhazia condemns the attack on its member, David Gobechia, administrator of the Telegram channel “Abkhazian Portal,” and activist Lia Agrba from the "ҲараҲПицунда" movement, which took place on Sunday, 15 September.
According to Gobechia, the four attackers were masked and used pepper spray against them. He also mentioned that he had been followed for several days prior to the incident.
The Union of Journalists of the Republic of Abkhazia urges law enforcement agencies to promptly investigate this attack and identify all individuals involved.
Chairman of the Union of Journalists of the Republic of Abkhazia,
Ruslan Khashig
