 (1).png){kind=spacer}
1 week ago
5
A lawmaker from Georgia’s breakaway region of Abkhazia has died following a shooting near the parliament in the capital, Sokhumi, local media reported on Thursday.
Lawmaker Vakhtang Golandzia, one of the two deputies injured in the shooting, died from his wounds, said Apsnypress. Lawmaker Kan Kvartchia, who was shot in the arm, was hospitalized.
Deputy Adgur Khazaria, the primary suspect, fled the scene, according to media reports. His motives remain unclear.
Telegram channel AMRA-life reported that the parliament was discussing a bill to ban cryptocurrency mining, which led to an argument between the deputies.
Abkhazia is currently experiencing an electricity shortage, partially due to high consumption, and appealed this week to Moscow for free electricity next year.
Moscow suspended financial aid to Abkhazia in September and ordered the cash-strapped region to buy Russian energy at market rates. Russia has not publicly commented on Abkhazia’s claims that Moscow unilaterally withheld 1.8 billion rubles (approximately $18 million) in funding.
Abkhazia currently operates under a rolling blackout plan, with only 2 hours and 48 minutes of electricity supplied during the day. Electricity is turned back on between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Continue
Not ready to support today?
Remind me later.
