Shooting in Parliament: MP Vakhtang Golandziya Killed, Kan Kvarchiya Injured
A fatal shooting in the parliament building in Sukhum has resulted in the death of MP Vakhtang Golandziya and left opposition member Kan Kvarchiya injured.
SUKHUM / AQW’A — A fatal shooting in the parliament building in Sukhum has resulted in the death of MP Vakhtang Golandziya and left opposition member Kan Kvarchiya injured.
The incident occurred during a parliamentary session discussing a proposed law to ban cryptocurrency mining. An argument erupted between MPs Adgur Kharaziya and Kan Kvarchiya. According to official accounts, Kharaziya drew a firearm and opened fire. Golandziya, who attempted to mediate, was struck and fatally injured.
Golandziya was transported to the Republican Hospital in a state of clinical death. Acting Chief Physician Erik Khathua reported that resuscitation efforts were immediately undertaken but were unsuccessful. “Unfortunately, Mr Golandziya passed away,” Khathua stated.
Kan Kvarchiya sustained a through-and-through gunshot wound to the shoulder as well as a head injury. Khathua confirmed that a team of surgeons is attending to Kvarchiya, and his condition is reported to be stable.
Suspect Adgur Kharaziya
Adgur Kharaziya, the suspect in the shooting, is a sitting MP and a former mayor of Sukhum. He fled the scene immediately after the incident, according to Acting Minister of Internal Affairs Robert Kiut. Law enforcement authorities have launched a manhunt to apprehend him.
Kharaziya’s political career spans decades. Born on 12 February 1959 in the village of Bagmaran, Gulrypsh District, he served as head of administration for the Gulrypsh District from 1993 to 2002. He subsequently held the post of Minister of Agriculture from 2002 to 2003. In October 2014, he was appointed head of administration for the city of Sukhum, a role he held until his resignation in October 2019.
Kharaziya has been elected as an MP three times, in 2007, 2012, and 2022. However, his career has not been without controversy. In December 2020, he was involved in a shooting incident in Sukhum, during which a person was injured. Criminal charges were filed in connection with that case.
Government Response
Acting President of Abkhazia, Badra Gunba, has convened a meeting of the Security Council following the fatal shooting in the parliament building in Sukhum, which resulted in the death of MP Vakhtang Golandziya and left MP Kan Kvarchiya injured.
Gunba met with key officials, including Dmitry Dbar, Head of the State Security Service, Alkhaz Agumaa, Sukhum Prosecutor, and Astamur Khagush, Chief of Sukhum Police, to review the initial findings of the investigation. Law enforcement has secured the scene, and investigative measures are underway.
Gunba also visited the Republican Hospital, where he was briefed by the Minister of Health and the hospital's chief physician. Medical officials confirmed that Golandziya succumbed to injuries deemed incompatible with life, while Kvarchiya remains hospitalised with moderate injuries and is receiving medical care.
The suspect, MP Adgur Kharaziya, is accused of initiating the shooting during a parliamentary committee session discussing proposed legislation on banning cryptocurrency mining and introducing criminal liability for illegal mining activities. Eyewitnesses report that the conflict escalated between Kharaziya and Kvarchiya, leading to the violent confrontation.
Deputy Prosecutor General Ruslan Tyrkba stated that law enforcement agencies are conducting an intensive manhunt for Kharaziya, who fled the scene. Investigators are securing evidence at the crime scene to establish the full circumstances of the incident. "A criminal case will be initiated shortly, and the qualification of the charges is being determined," Tyrkba added.
As part of the search operation, checkpoints along the Psou-Ingur highway and border areas have been reinforced. Officers from the Sukhum Police Department, Gulrypsh District Police, and central security forces are participating in the operation, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
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