Abkhazia, 17.03.2026 – An opposition figure faces criminal charges, with the ultimate decision residing within the parliament of Sukhum. The Supreme Court has identified indications of a criminal offense related to actions by MP Kan Kvarchia, potentially leading to the removal of his parliamentary immunity. On March 16th, 2026, the court approved a prosecutor general’s request to determine if elements of a crime, specifically under Article 113 concerning death threats, existed in Kvarchia’s conduct.
The court will forward its conclusion and supporting documentation to parliament for consent to formally charge Kvarchia in the previously opened criminal case. MP Kan Kvarchia is involved in the contentious “Russian political consultants” case, stemming from a scandal involving consultants working illegally for pro-government candidates during the Abkhazia municipal elections in November 2025. Kvarchia and other opposition activists exposed these activities and presented them to the State Security Service for investigation.
However, the agency’s response limited itself to returning the consultants to Russia. Subsequently, the consultants filed a complaint with Russia’s Investigative Committee, initiating a criminal case against the Abkhaz opposition figures, alleging robbery against Russian citizens. Abkhaz authorities then opened a parallel investigation.
Currently, four opposition activists are under house arrest, and two face travel restrictions. Authorities haven’t pursued charges against Kvarchia due to his existing parliamentary immunity, which the prosecutor’s office is now seeking to abolish. Political analyst Akhra Bzhania views the court’s ruling as a sign of “theatricalisation of state institutions” within Abkhazia.
He expressed concern that individuals entrusted with protecting rights, driven by anxieties about losing Russian passports, might endorse baseless accusations against Abkhaz citizens. Bzhania hopes the parliament will safeguard Kvarchia’s immunity.
Topics: #opposition #criminal #final
An opposition leader in Abkhazia is now facing criminal accusations. The final determination of these charges will be made by the parliament in Sukhum. Evidence suggests a possible crime involving Mem