Konstantin Zatulin, a deputy in the Russian Duma and First Deputy Chairman of the Committee on CIS Issues, Eurasian Integration, and Relations with Compatriots, responded to the developments in occupied Abkhazia. According to him, certain members of the Abkhazian opposition are harming not only Abkhazia but also its relations with the Russian Federation.
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"Part of the opposition does not hesitate to use the prohibited methods common in Abkhazia. Specifically, it tries to 'incite' the crowd against the deputies and the government in order to undermine the ongoing negotiations and agreements with Russia on issues such as investment, property guarantees, and similar topics. These matters, which are not being given proper attention in Abkhazia, prevent the region from developing normally by attracting investments. This is not the first time that the more vocal part of the opposition has chosen this specific topic, which, of course, harms not only the government but also the general image of Abkhazia and its relations with Russia," Zatulin said in an interview with state media.
He connects the developments in Abkhazia with the upcoming presidential elections planned for 2025 in the de facto republic. At the same time, Zatulin notes that a small group of political activists is presenting their actions as the will of the entire Abkhazian people.
"Such actions should be rejected by the majority. They are, in fact, supportive. I do not see the apocalyptic consequences of all this. I think it depends on making the necessary decisions, and those decisions, I hope, will be made. Two of them have already been received, and the last one will be received on Friday," Zatulin added.
On November 11, five representatives of the so-called opposition were arrested in occupied Abkhazia, leading to protests in Sukhumi, on Freedom Square, and near the building of the so-called State Security Service. Opposition supporters blocked the Kodori bridge, as well as two bridges connecting to Sukhumi over the Gumista river. One of the opposition leaders, former so-called Minister of Economy Adgur Ardzinba, stated that his comrades were defending national interests, which is why they were arrested for political reasons.
According to the so-called General Prosecutor, Adgur Agrba, the detainees committed "illegal actions" against one of the MPs in the yard of the Parliament. The de facto government did not name the MP, but pro-government Telegram channels reported that deputy Alma Akaba was "beaten" during the incident. Prior to the incident, the draft constitutional law "On the regulation of the legal status of multifunctional complexes in Abkhazia" was being discussed in the so-called parliament, which the opposition opposes.
The bridges were reopened after the de facto authorities met the opposition's demands and released the detainees on November 12. Three of the five detainees were accused of petty hooliganism, but the court stopped the administrative proceedings against them "due to the absence of an administrative offense." The court did not receive case materials regarding the other two individuals.
