Protesters opposing a proposed measure that would allow Russians to buy property in the Georgian territory of Abkhazia have stormed into the secessionist region’s parliament building and clashed with police.
The parliament in the regional capital of Sukhumi was set to discuss ratifying the measure on Friday but postponed the session as the demonstrators gathered outside the gates of the government compound that includes the legislature’s building and the presidential office.
Protesters used a truck to smash through the metal gates surrounding the parliament. Video from the scene appeared to show people climbing through windows after prying off metal bars and chanting in the corridors.
Emergency services said at least eight people were taken to hospital.
Eshsou Kakalia, an opposition leader and former deputy prosecutor general, said that the parliament building was under the control of the protesters.
“We will now seek the resignation of the current president of Abkhazia,” he was quoted by Russia’s Interfax news agency as saying. Protesters also broke into the presidential administration offices located in the same building as the parliament.
The presidential administration said in a statement that authorities were preparing to withdraw the investment agreement with Russia that some Abkhaz fear will price them out of the property market. Abkhazia is a popular tourist destination for Russians.
Most of Abkhazia broke away from Georgia in fighting that ended in 1993, and Georgia lost control of the rest of the territory in a short war with Russia in 2008.
While most countries recognise Abkhazia as part of Georgia, Russia recognises Abkhazia as independent. However, many Abkhazians are concerned that the region of about 245,000 people is a client state of Moscow.
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