[Russia] - Protesters Storm Parliament in Abkhazia Amid Dispute Over Russian Investment Treaty

INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Protesters broke onto the facilities of Abkhazias parliament structure on Friday, opposing an investment arrangement with Russia they
declare threatens the breakaway areas financial and security interests.Scores ofdemonstrators gathered in Sukhumi as lawmakers gathered to
consider ratifying the controversial Russian-Abkhazian investment contract, with activists arguing the offer would make it possible for
Russians to buy recently developed complexes in the area, effectively undermining regional control.Protesters hurled stones and sticks at
security forces, while an automobile rammed through the parliaments metal fence, Russias state-run TASS news company reported
A fire truck was brought outside the structure to obstruct the crowd from entering.Law enforcement released tear gas, and shooting was
reported at the scene, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Libertys Russian-language bureau for the Caucasus
Amid the intensifying unrest, Abkhazias parliament delayed the session where the arrangement was set for ratification.Abkhazias Interior
Minister and head of state security went to speak with the crowd of protesters to de-escalate the circumstance, TASS later reported
At least two people were injured throughout the clashes.The controversial treaty has been promoted by Abkhazias Russia-backed leader, Aslan
Bzhaniya, who has actually invested the past 2 years advocating for the so-called apartments bill
It looks for to lift the areas restriction on foreign ownership of residential property, enabling Russians to purchase property on the Black
Sea coast.A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are dealing with extraordinary difficulties
Russias Prosecutor Generals Office has actually designated The Moscow Times as an undesirable company, criminalizing our work and putting
our staff at risk of prosecution
This follows our earlier unjustified labeling as a foreign representative
These actions are direct efforts to silence independent journalism in Russia
The authorities declare our work rejects the decisions of the Russian leadership
We see things differently: we strive to supply precise, impartial reporting on Russia.We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, decline to
be silenced
But to continue our work, we need your help.Your assistance, no matter how small, makes a world of distinction
If you can, please support us monthly starting from simply $2
Its fast to establish, and every contribution makes a significant impact.By supporting The Moscow Times, youre protecting open, independent
journalism in the face of repression
Thank you for standing with us.Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later.Remind me next monthThank you! Your pointer is set.We
will send you one pointer e-mail a month from now
For details on the individual data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy.