Thousands of protesters opposing a proposal that would allow Russians to buy property in Abkhazia, a Russian-backed separatist region of Georgia, stormed the parliament and presidential offices on Friday.

Opponents of the property agreement argue that it would inflate apartment prices and increase Moscow’s influence in the region.

At least eight people were injured in the clashes in the regional capital of Sukhumi on the Black Sea, according to news reports.

The protests forced parliament to postpone the session as the demonstrators gathered outside the gates of the government compound.

Local media reports say MPs had earlier planned to discuss and ratify the controversial investment measure.

Instead, demonstrators rammed the parliament gate with a truck and streamed inside the grounds, throwing rocks at police, who responded with tear gas.

According to local reports, police left the parliament building, but demonstrators remained, demanding the resignation of Abkhazia’s president, Aslan Bzhania.

Demonstrators also stormed into the presidential administration building and vowed to remain there until Bzhania resigned and snap elections were called.

The president’s office later announced he was preparing an order to remove the measure from consideration.

The unrest had been building up since Monday following the arrest of five opposition figures at a similar demonstration. The arrests set off wider protests the next day, in which bridges leading to Sukhumi were blocked.

Abkhazia’s scenic mountains and Black Sea beaches attract many Russian tourists, creating strong demand for holiday homes.

Most of the region broke away from Georgia following a conflict that ended in 1993, and Georgia lost control of the remaining territory after a brief war with Russia in 2008.

While Russia recognises Abkhazia as an independent state, many Abkhazians fear that their region, with a population of around 245,000, is effectively becoming a client state of Moscow.

VeryDarkMan’s court hearing against Femi Falana and Falz took place today, and he seems to be celebrating. However, the court actually ruled in favor of Femi Falana, ordering VeryDarkMan to delete defamatory videos about him.

It appears VeryDarkMan had made some allegations against Falana and his son, Falz, which the court deemed defamatory. The court also granted Falana’s request to serve VeryDarkMan with court processes through his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju Esq.

Despite the court’s ruling, VeryDarkMan seems to be in high spirits, singing and dancing after the hearing. It’s unclear what the outcome of the case will be, but for now, VeryDarkMan appears to be taking it in stride.

Ekwutosblog gathered that Gunmen attacked an army checkpoint earlier today, Wednesday 13th November, 2024 at Ekenobizi, a border community between Abia and Imo states in Umuopara, Umuahia South Local Government Area, killing two soldiers.

A military source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the attack occurred around 6:18 am. The gunmen arrived in a white Lexus (350/400) model, although the exact number of attackers could not be confirmed.

Confirming the incident in a press release on Wednesday, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA said: “In the early hours of today, 13 November 2024, troops of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA, deployed at a checkpoint along the Umuahia – Owerri Road in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, came under attack by faceless group.

“During the attack, the gallant troops were able to repel the assault, forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray with gunshot wounds, abandoning one Sienna and one Lexus Jeep used in the attack. However, in the ensuing firefight, two soldiers paid the supreme price.”

The Joint Task Force appealed to residents of the South East, particularly those in Abia State, for credible information to help track down the fleeing attackers and combat criminal elements in the region.

The force reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property in line with global best practices and the rules of engagement.

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