The head of the Abkhaz diaspora in Rostov-on-Don, Irakli Bzhinava, has been placed in pre-trial detention following accusations of making “anti-russian statements.” He is currently held within a detention center typically used for individuals suspected of war crimes. Abkhazia’s president, Badra Gunba, stated he was observing the situation concerning his compatriot. Bzhinava, a legal specialist and lecturer at Southern Federal University in Rostov-on-Don, was initially detained on February 4, 2026, on charges of “anti-russian statements” and online incitement of ethnic hatred.
A court ordered a two-month pre-trial period. This facility has a troubled reputation, with reports alleging severe torture of detainees to obtain information. The detention is linked to Bzhinava’s position regarding the issuance of russian domestic passports within Abkhazia, following a parliamentary debate.
The Kremlin halted this process due to disagreements with local representatives. The Abkhaz foreign ministry affirmed that Bzhinava received appropriate legal support, and the honorary consul in Rostov-on-Don is assisting his family with related matters. President Gunba confirmed he is personally overseeing the case, involving Bzhinava’s dual citizenship – Abkhaz and russian – and his residence in Russia.
This arrest marks the second Abkhaz citizen to face “extremism”-related charges in russia. Prior to Bzhinava’s detention, a military court sentenced Abkhaz blogger Timur Agrba to five and a half years for portraying Chechen commander Shamil Basayev in a positive light. The author’s terms, place names, opinions and ideas are their own and may not align with JAMnews’ views.
Topics: #russian #head #abkhaz
