Abkhazia: Member of Parliament Fatally Shot Amid Crypto Mining Debate

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    Above: The national flag of the Republic of Abkhazia. Image copyright: Maksim Konstantinov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

    The Facts

    • Abkhazian lawmaker Vakhtang Golandzia was fatally shot and deputy Kan Kvarchia was wounded after a shooting at the Russian-backed, Georgian breakaway region's Parliament building on Thursday. The suspected shooter is fellow deputy Adgur Kharazia.

    • The shooting reportedly occurred during a parliamentary discussion about banning cryptocurrency mining, which led to an argument. Kharazia allegedly attempted to shoot Kvarchia, but Golandzia intervened to resolve the argument.

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    The Spin

    Pro-establishment narrative

    These unfortunate and simmering tensions are due to mismanagement and over-reliance on Russia, which has shifted from provider to enforcer, with power plant shutdowns highlighting years of economic inefficiency. Russia's support has also decreased as it uses energy and funds to demand concessions, showing aid isn't unconditional. This leaves Abkhazia economically vulnerable, with local leaders unable to control illegal crypto mining or foster development.

    Ispionline

    Civil Georgia

    Establishment-critical narrative

    Abkhazia's economic struggles stem from internal politics, not Russian influence, as the people demand change. Meanwhile, the West's overreaction to Georgia's "foreign agents law" and the suspension of EU accession talks are ironically pushing Georgia, and by extension Abkhazia, closer to Russia. Western interference, under the guise of promoting democracy, is seen as meddling, threatening Georgia's sovereignty and driving it away from the EU.

    European Conservative

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