Protesters storm parliament in breakaway Georgian region of Abkhazia
Al Jazeera
Tensions have flared during the past week over a proposed deal that would allow Russians to buy property in Abkhazia.
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.
