Vladimir Putin is facing fresh revolt fears Anti-Russian protesters stormed Abkhazia’s parliament as anger over a controversial treaty with the Kremlin boiled over.
Located in the southern Caucasus, the Black Sea separatist region is backed by Russia but recognised as a part of Georgia by most of the world.
Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the parliament in Sukhumi as MPs began debating the new bill.
The legislation would allow Russian investors to buy new property complexes in the region.
Activists are concerned this would effectively allow the Kremlin to stealthily colonise their country.
A truck rammed through the parliament’s metal fence, as demonstrators hurled stones at police.
The security forces responded by firing tear gas at the protesters, and gunfire was also reportedly heard.
The furious demonstrators overpowered the security forces and stormed into the parliament.
They also took control of the presidential administration building, next to the parliament.
Amid the unrest, Abkhazia’s Russian-backed President Aslan Bzhania announced plans to halt the treaty.
“The presidential administration is preparing a document to withdraw from parliament the draft law on ratification,” its press service said on Telegram.
“The decision has been taken with the goal of stabilising the situation in the republic.”
However, opposition activists are calling for his immediate resignation, as passions continue to run high.
Bzhania has spent the last two years actively pushing for the treaty to be passed by parliament.
The so-called “apartments bill” seeks to lift the region’s ban on foreign ownership of residential property, allowing Russians to purchase real estate on the Black Sea coast.
Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Abkhazia’s opposition of “provoking an escalation of the conflict,” and said the “crisis situation” was “hampering the development of Abkhazia”.
Following a short war with Georgia in 2008, Russia recognised both Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent countries and has maintained a military presence there.