Opposition leader claims Abkhazia’s separatist president has fled to Russian military base amid protests

Opposition leader Levan Mikaa claimed on Saturday that Aslan Bzhania, the president of Georgia’s Russian-backed separatist region of Abkhazia, has fled to a Russian military base. Mikaa said negotiations between the government and demonstrators have ceased, and he vowed to initiate Aslan Bzhania’s impeachment through the Abkhazian parliament if he doesn’t make contact before Monday.

Spokespeople for Bzhania insist that he’s merely visiting his native town of Tamishi.

A proposed investment agreement with Russia has provoked public outrage in Abkhazia. Opponents argue that the deal would unfairly favor Russian business interests. Amid intense protests against the authorities pursuing the agreement, opposition spokespeople have stressed that the demonstrations are not directed at Abkhazia’s relationship with Moscow itself.