MP Vakhtang Golandzia died after a shooting in the parliament building of Abkhazia, the press service of acting head of state Badra Gunba reported. Another unnamed MP was injured - wounded in the arm, BTA reports.
Authorities have identified Adgur Kharazia, also an MP, as the main suspect. He fled the scene after the attack, and the motives for his actions remain unclear.
Historical and political context
Abkhazia is a breakaway Caucasus region supported by Russia that declared independence after a war with Georgia in the early 1990s. In 2008, Russia officially recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia after a five-day war with Georgia, consolidating its influence in both regions.
Investment crisis and public tension
The incident follows political instability last month, when protesters stormed the parliament building in Sukhumi. The protests were sparked by an investment deal with Russia that many in Abkhazia see as a threat to local residents.
Opposition leaders say the deal would allow wealthy Russians to buy up land, putting the region's economic independence at risk. The concerns led to the resignation of President Aslan Bzhania and the temporary assumption of office by Vice President Gunba.
Russia's role
Moscow has played a key role in stabilizing (and destabilizing) Abkhazia through financial support and influence. The investment agreement aims to open the region to Russian investors, which Russia sees as a path to long-term development and control. At the same time, critics see it as a threat to local interests.
The shooting in the Abkhaz parliament not only resulted in a tragic incident, but also exposed the complex and often tense relationship between local political elites and Russia's strong influence in the region. As Abkhazia balances internal struggles and external influence, the prospects for stability remain unclear.