Persecution of Armenians in Abkhazia continues; Russia launches investigation

The persecution of the Armenian community in Abkhazia continues. Russia has launched an investigation following calls for violence against Armenians in the region. The spokesperson for the Investigative Committee of Russia announced that new cases of violations of the rights of Armenians during the Abkhazian elections have been revealed. Reports indicate that on Feb. 19, in one of the villages of the Gagra district—where Armenians form the majority—a group of individuals arrived in 20 vehicles and exerted pressure on the Armenians, attempting to prevent them from casting ballots in the election.

Earlier, Alik Minosyan, President of the Armenian community in Abkhazia, had appealed to the acting president of Abkhazia. Minosyan stated that the president’s relative, who had called for violence against Armenians, had apologized to the community, after which a reconciliation was reached between the parties. Enver Bganba, who had called for ethnic hatred, met with a representative of the Armenian community.