Armenians of Abkhazia demanded protection during the election race

The head of the Armenian community of Abkhazia, Alik Minosyan, appealed to the leadership of the republic with a demand to guarantee the protection of the Armenian population during the presidential elections.

According to him, "since the beginning of the election campaign, pressure has been exerted on the leaders of a number of villages where citizens of Armenian nationality live and threats have been made demanding that specific forces be supported."

On February 15, after the first round of elections, the opposition Abkhaz public pointed out that almost the entire Armenian population voted for the candidate Badru Gunba. Later, audio recordings allegedly belonging to representatives of the opposition, headed by another candidate, Adgur Ardzinba, appeared on social networks. The people on the record say that it is "time for Armenians to point out the place."

EADaily cites Minosyan's appeal unchanged:

Acting President of the Republic of Abkhazia Bganba V.R.,

To the Speaker of the People's Assembly — Parliament of the Republic of Abkhazia Ashuba L.N.,

Acting Prosecutor General of the Republic of Abkhazia Kvitsinia D.G.,

Acting Chairman of the State Security Service Kuchuberia D.G.,

Acting Minister of Internal Affairs Kiut R.V.,

Chairman of the Public Chamber of the Republic of Abkhazia Kichba G.M.,

To the election headquarters of the presidential candidate Ardzinba A.A.,

To the campaign headquarters of the presidential candidate Gunba B.Z.

Application form

Audio recordings are being distributed on the Internet in which citizens Bganba E.Z. and Vanaba Y. call for the persecution of citizens of the Republic of Abkhazia of Armenian nationality for their political choice. These materials are direct calls for violence and undermine interethnic unity in the Republic of Abkhazia.

Since the beginning of the election campaign, pressure has been exerted on the leaders of a number of villages where citizens of Armenian nationality live and threats have been made demanding that specific forces be supported. The Armenian community of the Republic of Abkhazia refrained from public statements, adhering to the principles of non-interference in electoral processes. However, the situation in which there are open calls for violence and restriction of constitutional rights requires an immediate and tough response.

The Armenian community of the Republic of Abkhazia acts in the interests of the whole country. We call for the implementation of the constitutional principles of protecting the rights of every citizen, regardless of his nationality.

We, on behalf of all citizens of Abkhazia concerned about this situation, demand:

1. Immediately establish the authenticity of the distributed audio recordings.
2. In case of confirmation of authenticity — to give a strict legal assessment of the statements of Bganba E.Z. and Vanab Yu., initiate appropriate criminal cases and bring the perpetrators to justice.
3. To guarantee the safety of citizens of Armenian nationality and all those who are subjected to pressure or threats during the pre-election process.
4. To take comprehensive measures to suppress any agitation that incites discord and enmity on the basis of nationality.

We demand that the response to this appeal be sent in writing to the Armenian community of the Republic of Abkhazia, as well as published in the official state media as soon as possible.

Chairman of the Armenian community of the Republic of Abkhazia Minosyan A. A.".