On December 19, an Abkhazian MP opened fire during a parliamentary session, injuring two colleagues, one of whom later died, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA). The incident occurred during a heated debate on cryptocurrency mining regulation.
The altercation involved MPs Adgur Kharaziya, Kan Kvarchia, and Vakhtang Golandzia. Kharaziya, a proponent of stricter mining bans, reportedly shot Golandzia, who later succumbed to head injuries in the hospital, and Kvarchia, who sustained a shoulder injury but is stable.
Kharaziya fled the scene and is being pursued by law enforcement. Investigative teams are working on-site.
The session was part of ongoing efforts to tighten cryptocurrency mining restrictions amidst an energy crisis. Abkhazia faces severe electricity shortages and has imposed mining bans to reduce power consumption. The issue has exacerbated political and economic tensions, including recent protests leading to the resignation of President Aslan Bzhania.