Source:

Frankfurter Rundschau Online: [ID 5571]

14.08.2008 - Source: Institute for War and Peace Reporting

Abkhazia: Abkhaz authorities re-captured Upper Kodori valley and welcomed more Russian troops into their territory; Georgians abandoned their positions and hundreds of civilians fled ("Abkhaz Open "Second Front"") [ID 24453]

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08.08.2008 - Source: Civil Georgia

Abkhazia: On 8 August 2008 Abkhazian troops were deployed to secure the border with Georgia ("Reports: Abkhazia Deploys Troops at Border") [ID 24289]

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21.07.2008 - Source: EurasiaNet

A bomb blast in a café killed four and injured six on 6 July 2008; incident followed a series of blasts in the towns of Gagra and Sukhumi ("Abkhazia: Blame For Blast Skirts Ethnic Ties") [ID 23969]

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20.07.2008 - Source: Civil Georgia

Abkhaz administrative border: According to Georgian state TV, there was an attack on police station in Akhali Abastumi village; one Abkhaz militiaman dead ("Georgian TV Reports: Police Post Attacked on Abkhaz Border") [ID 23967]

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06.07.2008 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

According to Georgian officials, there have been 5 explosions near border between Georgia and Abkhazia ("Fresh Blasts Rattle Georgian Conflict Zone") [ID 23704]

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29.06.2008 - Source: Civil Georgia

6 people injured in explosions in town of Gagra ("Six Injured in Abkhaz Blasts") [ID 23592]

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21.05.2008 - Source: Civil Georgia

2 buses ferrying ethnic Georgians to cast their ballot in parliamentary elections blown up, 4 women injured ("Four Injured in Abkhaz Blast – Tbilisi Says") [ID 23295]

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23.01.2008 - Source: UN Security Council

Report of the UN Secretary General on UNOMIG mission and the situation in Abkhazia (political process, Gali and Zugdidi sector, Kondori Valley, human rights) ("Report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Abkhazia, Georgia [S/2008/38]") [ID 22282]

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24.09.2007 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Georgian special forces killed 2 of a group of between 16-25 uniformed armed men from Abkhazia and apprehended 7 more on 20 September 2007; not clear where the incident took place ("Circumstances Of Georgian-Abkhaz Clash Remain Unclear") [ID 21239]

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09.07.2007 - Source: Civil Georgia

Alexander Ankvab, prime minister of Abkhazia, survives apparent assassination attempt ("Abkhaz PM Survives Assassination Attempt") [ID 20630]

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18.01.2007 - Source: International Crisis Group

Conflict zone generally stable but there have been few serious ceasefire violations; Tbilisi quadrupled its military budget; Abkhaz react in strengthening their own forces ("Abkhazia: Ways Forward; Europe Report N°179 – 18 January 2007") [ID 18833]

"The conflict zone has generally been stable. Apart from brief flare-ups in 1998, 2001 and 2006, there have been few serious ceasefire violations. Separation of forces and demilitarisation along a strip of land 85 km. long and 24 km. wide was completed over a decade ago. The territory is divided into an inner “security zone” (in which no Georgian or Abkhaz military presence is permitted) and an outer “restricted zone” (where no heavy weapons may be deployed); CIS peacekeepers and UNOMIG monitor. Negotiations on security issues have generally been unhindered, even when the Coordinating Council has been frozen. Practical measures have been agreed, which have gradually diminished criminality.  

Until recently the Georgians and Abkhaz lacked offensive capabilities. Since 2003, however, Tbilisi has nearly quadrupled its military budget,  invested heavily in new hardware (including attack helicopters), opened a NATO-standard base in Senaki (45 km. from the Inguri River), established a mountain operations military training centre in Sachkhere, organised several multi-million dollar training exercises and issued belligerent statements. This has increased Abkhaz anxiety about a possible attack. The Abkhaz reaction, especially since mid-2006, has been to strengthen their own forces and engage in more training – often with Russian support.  While Georgian-Abkhaz talks are frozen, this rise in military preparedness increases the risk a ceasefire violation could ignite a spiral of counter-attacks and resumption of full-fledged combat.  

To reduce the probability of such an outcome and promote security, the sides have for more than a decade discussed signing an agreement on non-resumption of hostilities. It would explicitly forbid the use of force and contain a renunciation of the threat or use of force against each other. The Abkhaz have been especially keen on such a document. In December 2005, the sides were again close but failed to sign."

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01.10.2006 - Source: Civil Georgia

Abkhazia: One person dies in clashes ("One Dies in Clash in Abkhaz Conflict Zone") [ID 17489]

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03.08.2006 - Source: Civil Georgia

Abkhazia: 2 Russian peacekeepers killed after bus carrying the payroll for Russian peacekeepers in the conflict zone was attacked by unknown gunmen ("Two Peacekeepers Killed in Abkhazia") [ID 16932]

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27.07.2006 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

One civilian killed in clash between security forces and members of rebel militia in Kodori gorge ("Civilian Killed In Georgia's Kodori Gorge Operation") [ID 15632]

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26.06.2006 - Source: UN Security Council

Security situation generally calm; 2 violations of Moscow Agreement reported, namely use of mortars during firing exercise and restriction on movement of UNAMIG patrol by Abkhaz security personnel; mine-clearance activities continued ("Report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Abkhazia, Georgia [S/2006/435]") [ID 15784]

"10. During the reporting period, the security situation in the conflict zone remained generally calm. Two violations of the 1994 Moscow Agreement were reported: the use of mortars with a calibre exceeding 80 millimetres during a firing exercise in the Ochamchira training area in the restricted weapons zone on the Abkhaz side of the ceasefire line on 6 June; and a brief restriction on the movement of a UNOMIG patrol by Abkhaz security personnel on 24 May. Both violations were protested. From 24 to 27 March, the Abkhaz side conducted a command and staff mobilization exercise at battalion level, including a live artillery firing exercise which, following representations by UNOMIG, was relocated from Ochamchira to Bambora, near Gudauta, outside the restricted weapons zone. [...] 25. With funding from the Governments of the United States and the Netherlands, the HALO Trust continued mine-clearance activities, declaring the Gali district and the Gumista River bank in Sukhumi effectively mine-free. The HALO Trust is clearing the last minefields in the Ochamchira district, the areas to the east of Sukhumi, and along the Gumista River Valley and, in May, it deployed teams to the Abkhaz-controlled areas of the Kodori Valley."

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12.04.2006 - Source: Civil Georgia

Abkhazia: Authorities welcomed Russia’s decision to ease control's on its boarder with region, thus allowing foreign citizens to enter unrecognized republic for first time ("Reports: Russia Eases Abkhaz Border Crossing for Foreigners") [#49323],  [ID 5542]

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05.04.2006 - Source: Civil Georgia

Abkhazia: Interior ministry plans setup of anti-terrorist center; structure and field of action still unclear ("Sokhumi Sets up Anti-Terrorist Center") [#48570],  [ID 5543]

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17.03.2006 - Source: UN Security Council

Military situation in Abkhazia remained generally calm between January and March 2006; rehabilitation programme is implemented in Gali, Tkvarcheli, Ochamchira and Zugdidi districts; travel accross ceasefire line is now facilitated by free shuttle bus service across Inguri river ("Report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Abkhazia, Georgia [S/2006/173]") [#47798],  [ID 5544]

"1. The Security Council, by its resolution 1656 (2006) of 31 January 2006, extended the mandate of the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia until 31 March 2006. The present report provides an update on the situation in Abkhazia, Georgia, and UNOMIG since my report of 13 January 2006 (S/2006/19). […]
10. During the reporting period, the military situation in the conflict zone remained generally calm, with no violations of the 1994 Agreement on a Ceasefire and Separation of Forces reported. The establishment of a coordinator mechanism between the sides to address urgent security matters also contributed to a relatively calm crime situation. [...]
[…]
12. The United Nations human rights office in Sukhumi continued its activities to protect and promote human rights on the Abkhaz side of the ceasefire line in cooperation with other international partners. UNOMIG also continued to implement quick impact projects and began implementing the rehabilitation programme in the Gali, Tkvarcheli, Ochamchira and Zugdidi districts, financed by the European Commission (see S/2005/657, para. 30). On 1 March 2006, a free shuttle bus service started operating across the Inguri river bridge, easing travel across the ceasefire line for local residents. The project is administered by UNOMIG and financed for an initial period by the UNOMIG trust fund. The Government of Germany has expressed its readiness to contribute to the continuation of the shuttle bus service. United Nations agencies and other international organizations continued their activities to assist vulnerable groups on both sides of the ceasefire line."

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08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Tens thousands of landmines were laid in 1992-93; in June mine explosion injured Russian peacekeeper and 2 Georgian policemen, in November 2 landmine incidents occurred; investigation into kidnapping of 3 UN observers in 2003 has brought no results yet ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46124],  [ID 5545]

"Both government and Abkhaz forces laid tens of thousands of landmines during the 1992-93 fighting. In November two separate antitank landmine incidents at a mandarin plantation in the Abhaz-Georgian conflict zone resulted in one death and four injuries. An investigation by the UN Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) concluded that the mines were recently laid to deter workers and disrupt the harvest. Abkhaz police subsequently arrested Vakhtang Dzandzava on suspicion of planting a mine. In June in South Ossetia, a mine explosion injured a Russian peacekeeper and two Georgian police officers searching for Gogi Kakhniashvili, a missing Georgian who was also believed to have died in a mine explosion. […]
The investigation into the kidnapping and release of three UN military observers in 2003 in the Kodori Valley in Abkhazia continued at year's end. No developments were expected in the investigation. [...]
Abkhazian militia arrested at least a dozen Georgians in the administrative border region on charges of illegal woodcutting. Abkhaz authorities reportedly demanded $5 thousand each (9 thousand GEL) in return for their release. The men were still in custody at year's end."

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24.01.2006 - Source: Civil Georgia

Abkhazia: Security and human rights situation in conflict zone remains "precarious", says UN Secretary General Kofi Annan ("Annan: Security in Abkhaz Conflict Zone Remains Precarious") [#42729],  [ID 5546]

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24.01.2006 - Source: Civil Georgia

UN-mediated talks between Georgian and Abkhaz representatives over security issues in Gali district launched; situation in Gali district "alarming", says Georgian Minister for Conflict Resolution Issues ("Georgian-Abkhaz Talks Launched") [#42728],  [ID 5547]

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19.01.2006 - Source: Civil Georgia

Abkhazia: Abkhaz leader rejects Georgian draft of the agreement on security guarantees and non-resumption of hostilities ("Sokhumi Rejects Tbilisi's Document on Security Guarantees") [#42476],  [ID 5548]

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19.01.2006 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Abkhazia: Russian soldiers reinforce security measures near demarcation line between Abkhazia and Georgia ("Russian Peacekeepers Boost Security In Abkhazia") [#42417],  [ID 5549]

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11.01.2006 - Source: Prima News

Abkhazia: Galskii: Head of administration of village Nabakevi kidnapped; 5 armed persons broke in her home, killed members of her family and kidnapped Zaira Ehvaya ("The head of the village administration of the Galskii region in Abhazia was kidnapped") [#41632],  [ID 5550]

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07.11.2005 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Abkhazia: According to UN observers, tensions could rise; estimated 20,000 to 60,000 ethnic Georgians in the region ("UN Expresses Concern At Situation In Abkhazia's Gali Region") [#38687],  [ID 5551]

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19.10.2005 - Source: UN Security Council

Abkhazia: 3 violations of 1994 Moscow Agreement on Ceasefire and Separation of Forces were reported on Abkhaz side; Joint Fact-Finding Group of UNOMIG and CIS peacekeeping force investigated detention of 19 residents, Abkhaz military exercise and detention of trucks from CIS peacekeeping force ("Report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Abkhazia, Georgia [S/2005/657]") [#38393],  [ID 5552]

For details please refer to the original document

"15. UNOMIG military observers continued to perform their mandated tasks by conducting daily ground patrols and liaison with local authorities and coordinating with the collective peacekeeping force of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), as well as law enforcement agencies from both sides.

16. During the reporting period, three violations of the 1994 Moscow Agreement on a Ceasefire and Separation of Forces were reported on the Abkhaz side of the ceasefire line. Two of them were restrictions of movement for UNOMIG patrols by Abkhaz soldiers, on 16 July at an observation post in the restricted weapons zone and on 2 August at the main Inguri river bridge. The third violation was the presence of six tanks and several artillery pieces during the Abkhaz military exercises in August (see para. 13 above) in the Ochamchira training area, which partially overlaps the restricted weapons zone; UNOMIG had been notified in advance and its military observers were present intermittently during the exercise. In addition, on 29 July, UNOMIG issued a violation report for the establishment of an Abkhaz “taxation” post 50 metres from a CIS peacekeeping force checkpoint in violation of the 12 May 2005 Gali Protocol (see S/2005/453, para. 4).

17. The weekly quadripartite meetings allowed the two sides, together with UNOMIG and the CIS peacekeeping force, regularly to discuss security-related matters in the zone of conflict. Among other matters, the meetings addressed the Abkhaz detention on 20 July of 19 residents from both sides of the ceasefire line on charges of illegally crossing the line and wood cutting. Seven ethnic Abkhaz detainees were released within a few days, and the others on 24 September, following a trial held in Gali. They also discussed the Abkhaz military exercise and the delimitation of the restricted weapons zone. In addition, they took up the detention by the Georgian police, on 12 and 31 August, of trucks from the CIS peacekeeping force transporting goods from the Abkhaz side of the ceasefire line. The CIS peacekeeping force protested the seizures as a violation of its freedom of movement. These cases were also subject of investigations by the Joint Fact-finding Group, which is composed of the two parties, UNOMIG and the CIS peacekeeping force, and is tasked to establish whether violent incidents constitute violations of the 1994 Moscow agreement. During the period under review, the Group investigated three new cases and concluded the investigation of three other cases. For two of them, the motives could not be established, whereas the third was assessed as criminal in nature."

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10.2005 - Source: UK Home Office

Abkhasia: Partisan violence decreased during 2004 ("Operation Guidance Note: Georgia") [#39388],  [ID 5553]

"3.6.3 [...] However, partisan violence in Abkhazia significantly decreased during 2004 and the Government took concrete steps to arrest militia partisan groups and curtail their activities. [...]"

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04.08.2005 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Officials from Georgia and Abkhazia meet for security talks in Tbilisi ("Georgia, Abkhazia Hold Talks") [#34861],  [ID 5554]

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22.02.2005 - Source: Council of Europe - Secretary General

Security Council extended UNOMIG´s mandate till 31 July 2005 and called for a settlement of the Abkhaz conflict ("Reports from the Council of Europe Field Offices and Other Outposts, January 2005 [SG/Inf(2005) 4]") [#33371],  [ID 5555]

"92. On 29 January, the Security Council extended UNOMIG’s mandate until 31 July 2005 and also called for a settlement of the Abkhaz conflict respecting Georgia’s territorial integrity. The Council stressed the need to define the status of Abkhazia within the state of Georgia; it deeply regretted the refusal of the Abkhaz side to discuss the distribution of "competences" between Tbilisi and Sokhumi on grounds of its 1999 unilateral "declaration of independence.""

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08.02.2005 - Source: Civil Georgia

Abkhazia: Land mine went off in capital Sokhumi near a hotel belonging to a Russian-Abkhazian firm; no casulities reported ("Blast Reported in Sokhumi") [#43274],  [ID 5556]

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31.01.2005 - Source: Civil Georgia

Shamgona: Georgian policeman killed and 3 others injured after an unknown armed group opened fire on the checkpoint ("Policeman Dies in Shooting in Abkhaz Conflict Zone") [#43467],  [ID 5557]

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12.01.2005 - Source: Civil Georgia

Units of Georgia’s “elite troops” were reportedly deployed in Georgian villages that are located at administrative border with breakaway Abkhazia to ensure security there ("Tbilisi Deploys ‘Elite Troops’ to Protect Villages Near Abkhazia") [#43449],  [ID 5558]

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12.01.2005 - Source: Civil Georgia

9 out of the 11 civilians who were kidnapped from Ganmukhuri were released; 2 remain in captivity ("Kidnapped Georgians Released in Abkhazia") [#43452],  [ID 5559]

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11.01.2005 - Source: Civil Georgia

Zugdidi district: At least 11 civilians were kidnapped from Ganmukhuri after armed group, described by Georgian officials as “Abkhaz criminals,” raided village ("Georgian Civilians Kidnapped in Abkhaz Conflict Zone") [#43447],  [ID 5560]

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11.01.2005 - Source: Civil Georgia

Zugdidi district: Group of armed men raided village of Ganmukhuri, located at administrative border between breakaway Abkhazia and rest of Georgia, and hijacked several cars ("Reports: Armed Group Raids Village in Abkhaz Conflict Zone") [#43445],  [ID 5561]

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20.01.2004 - Source: ReliefWeb

Abkhazia: Report on the politicial, social and security situation as well as on the situation of returnees ("Abkhazia briefing note Jan 2004 (UN OCHA)") [#19308],  [ID 5562]

"In most of Abkhazia the security situation has generally been calm and stable throughout 2002 and 2003. However, a first major incident in recent years involving international community took place in June 2003. On 5 June 2003, four UNOMIG staff were kidnapped. The incident occurred when a joint UN Mission and CIS peace-keeping force were on a regular patrol in the upper Kodori valley, scene of previous clashes in the Georgia-Abkhazia conflict. The CIS soldiers were released shortly thereafter but the UN personnel, consisting of two military observers, a paramedic and a local interpreter were kept by unidentified armed group for almost a week. After various demands allegedly put forward by the kidnappers and negotiations by Georgian law enforcement bodies as well as official requests from the UN, hostages were released unharmed and brought to Tbilisi on June 10. All UNOMIG patrols to the area were suspended after the incident. This was the fourth time UNOMIG staff were kidnapped since the commencement of the Mission. Each time the kidnapping occurred in the same area and each time the hostages were released unharmed after negotiations. Another major incident during the UNOMIG's Mission was the downing of the UN helicopter in Kodori in October 2001, which killed all nine person on board.

The two exceptions to a generally relatively quiet situation in Abkhazia are the Kodori Valley and Gali District, which are widely considered insecure areas for both the local population and humanitarian agencies. A number of violent incidents, including some tragic ones, with criminal and possibly political motivations, continue to take place in Gali District. In 2003, the rise in criminality was also observed on Zugdidi side of the Inguri River. The latest reports of the Secretary General on the situation in Abkhazia acknowledged that the level of tension in Gali District has decreased in comparison with the same periods in previous years due to a moratorium on partisan activities. Figures concerning criminal actions are in general also lower, although "cross-border" crime remains a serious problem, particularly in lower Gali. Criminal activities typically increased during the hazelnut and mandarin seasons. It has been noted of late that most criminal incidents are increasingly more of purely criminal rather than political nature.

In Gali District, criminality, including cases of robberies, shooting accidents, abdications, explosions, and sporadic paramilitary activities, continue to raise concerns about the safety of the growing returnee population that have already returned spontaneously, as well as the safety of humanitarian aid workers. Insecurity in the area also hampers visits, assessments, and possible additional support to the population of the area by international organisations. CISPKF and UNOMIG regularly conduct patrols in the Restricted Weapons Zone and the Security Zone to monitor the 1994 Moscow Agreement. CISPKF and UNOMIG have themselves been victims of criminality and/or partisan attacks, as have some NGOs. The Abkhaz de facto authorities have also been the target. On 11 March 2003, near the village of Zemo Bargebi in the Gali District, a gang of 4-5 men shot at a UNHCR truck. There were no casualties and it is assessed that the gang misidentified the vehicle for another that was possibly involved in smuggling scrap metal. A few days later, a private truck was attacked at the same location, with the driver killed and several passengers injured. On 16 April 2003, a HALO Trust soft skin vehicle was hijacked by four armed and masked men near the Sukhumi Airport. The vehicle was found abandoned in Sukhumi later the same day, along with the hijacked driver and passenger. However, reportedly the sum of US$ 95,000 and other items were robbed.

The security concerns in Abkhazia were particularly raised in early April 2003, upon the resignation of the Cabinet of Ministers of the de facto authorities of Abkhazia, which coincided with the escape of 9 criminals from the detention centre in Sukhumi, all of them classified as "dangerous", and 6 of whom had been sentenced to death. UNOMIG then imposed temporary movement restrictions. However, the tensions were gradually been reduced by end-April. By August 2003, the harvest season, including a traditional economic battle over lucrative hazelnuts business, compounded with the upcoming 10-year anniversary of the Abkhaz "Independence/Victory Day" which falls on September 30, conspired to make the security situation more fragile again, including a possible threat to UN employees in view of global developments. As a preventive measure, UNOMIG imposed temporary security-related travel and movement regulations and restrictions for UNOMIG personnel, effective from 1 September - 15 October 2003."

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24.10.2003 - Source: ReliefWeb

Abkhazia: 20 police officers assigned to UN Observers Mission in Georgia will be deployed in Abkhazia; they shall work with Georgian and Abkhaz sides in building trust and cooperation in law enforcement and protection of human rights ("Georgia: UN to deploy civil police in Abkhazia (UNA-Georgia)") [#17672],  [ID 5563]

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21.08.2003 - Source: Institute for War and Peace Reporting

Abkhazia: hazelnuts farmers assaulted by local criminals, being robbed of their entire harvests and left with no income for the rest of the year ("Abkhazia: Lucrative Farms Attracts Mafia") [#15361],  [ID 5564]

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21.07.2003 - Source: UN Security Council

The Abkhaz law enforcement agencies are too weak to adequately protect local residents from the high level of criminal activity ("Report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Abkhazia, Georgia S/2003/751") [#14606],  [ID 5565]

"23. The human rights situation in Abkhazia, Georgia, during the past three months
remained precarious. The Abkhaz law enforcement agencies are too weak to
adequately protect local residents from the high level of criminal activity."

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21.07.2003 - Source: UN Security Council

Criminal activity in Gali and Zugdidi region ("Report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Abkhazia, Georgia S/2003/751") [#14606],  [ID 5566]

"11. UNOMIG patrols reported the security environment in the Gali Sector as being generally calm but unstable, with some periods of heightened tension, often caused by criminal activity. During a routine exercise by Abkhaz anti-aircraft units in an area overlapping the Gali restricted-weapon zone, UNOMIG observed three armoured transport vehicles suspected of being used to carry weapon systems in violation of the Moscow Agreement. UNOMIG raised the issue with the de facto Abkhaz authorities.

12. Local law enforcement officials struggled to address the high level of criminal activity in the Gali sector. Six murders, seven shootings, one kidnapping, twenty-two robberies and one landmine explosion were reported. Major incidents included the following: on 1 April, shots were fired at the car of the Director of the Inguri power station, who managed to escape unharmed; on 16 April, unknown perpetrators hijacked a HALO Trust vehicle near Sukhumi at gunpoint and stole employees' salaries; in the lower Gali region, close to the ceasefire line, an Abkhaz customs officer was ambushed and killed on 4 May; on 14 May, Abkhaz militia shot and killed one of two individuals who tried to flee after being arrested for illegal possession of a hand grenade; a resident of a village in the lower Gali region was shot dead the next day after purportedly trying to escape the custody of a police unit from Sukhumi; on 7 June, four members of the Abkhaz security services were wounded during an ambush; during an attempted robbery of a house in a village near Gali city on 22 June, armed men killed the sister of the Abkhaz Minister of Information in exile and wounded two others; and on 25 June, a Georgian and an Abkhaz were killed during a shooting on the Inguri bridge.

13. Against this backdrop, Abkhaz law enforcement agencies conducted four stop-and-search operations in the upper and lower Gali regions. The most intensive operation was launched with support from the de facto Ministry of Interior between 23 and 29 May, principally to address reports about the presence of illegal armed groups on the eve of Georgia's Independence Day, 26 May. The augmentation of UNOMIG patrols during the period helped to limit the impact of the search operations on the local population.

14. Fewer incidents were reported in the Zugdidi sector, which was assessed as calm by UNOMIG observers. Three murders, two shootings, one explosion, three abductions, and six robberies were recorded. Zugdidi police reported the capture of members of two organized criminal gangs and the seizure of weapons and ammunition. UNOMIG observers were granted access to the Torsa camp, allegedly a training facility for an anti-terrorist police force, run by the Abkhaz security services in exile. Currently, UNOMIG patrols are regularly visiting the camp."

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17.07.2003 - Source: EurasiaNet

Increase in violent crimes registeres ("Abkhazia Registers Increase In Violent Crime") [#14541],  [ID 5567]

"Meeting on 16 July, the Abkhaz Interior Ministry board reviewed the crime situation during the first half of the year, and registered a 3 percent increase in violent crime, Apsnipress reported on 17 July. The largest number of murders was reportedly committed in Sukhum, while the majority of killings in Gali Raion were blamed on Georgian guerrilla forces operating there. Prime Minister Khadjimba rejected the board's overall positive assessment of the crime situation and demanded more effective measures to crack down on drug trafficking and to raise the professional expertise of the police force. Deputy Prime Minister Astamur Tania proposed sending the best police officers to Russia to acquire additional skills. LF"

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03.05.2003 - Source: Caucasus Times

Abkhazia: Over 400 acts of terror since October 1993; hundreds of army and police personnel deaths and injuries ("Over 400 acts of terror in Abkhazia since October, 1993") [#15230],  [ID 5568]

"As the Abkhazian parliament committee on legislation reported lately more than 400 acts of terror had been committed since October, 1993 resulting in hundreds of army and police personnel deaths and injuries in Abkhazia. As well 500 civilians as 100 servicemen of CIS peacekeeping forces had been killed, 150 injured. Several dozen members of the world humanitarian organizations had been abducted and taken hostages."

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31.03.2003 - Source: US Department of State

15 cases of kidnapping reported in the first half of 2002 ("Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - 2002") [#11848],  [ID 5569]

"Partisan groups active in Abkhazia engaged in criminal activity and frequently took hostages to exchange for captured compatriots. Abkhaz and government officials agreed on joint law enforcement efforts to prosecute kidnapers and other criminals that could threaten to destabilize the ceasefire. During the year, there also were many instances of kidnaping for ransom elsewhere in the country, which included both local and foreign citizens. The MOIA reported 15 cases of kidnaping in the first half of the year and stated that investigations had resulted in charges for 9 of these cases. There was widespread speculation that corrupt law enforcement officials were involved in some of these kidnapings. Many citizens, including some members of Parliament, alleged publicly that senior law enforcement officials were involved in kidnapings for ransom. Kidnaping of foreigners continued.

On June 19 in Tbilisi, persons in police uniforms kidnaped banker Peter Shaw, a British citizen, from his car. The Minister of State Security publicly announced that the identities of Peter Shaw's kidnapers were known to the authorities and alleged Interior Ministry officials were involved in the abduction. The Minister of State also publicly confirmed the possible involvement of government officials in the kidnaping. Shaw escaped on November 6; an investigation into the kidnaping was underway at year's end.

Government and Abkhaz commissions on missing persons reported that over 1,000 Georgians and several hundred Abkhaz remained missing as a result of the 1992-1994 war in Abkhazia (see Section 1.g.). Officials agreed to joint efforts to determine their location and repatriate the remains of the dead. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) assisted this effort."

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05.03.2002 - Source: Schweizerische Flüchtlingshilfe

SFH: Security situation in Abkhazia; organized crime ("Lageanalyse Februar 2002") [#8057],  [ID 5570]

"Die in der Konfliktzone zwischen Abchasien und Georgien herrschende Gesetzlosigkeit bedeutet
eine ständige Bedrohung für die Sicherheit. Das Waffenstillstandsabkommen wird
immer wieder verletzt, bewaffnete Raubüberfälle – teilweise mit stillschweigender Akzeptanz
der lokalen Behörden –, Hinterhalte, Scharmützel, Minenunfälle sorgen für Unsicherheit
und Todesfälle. Die gravierendsten Vorfälle gehen zu Lasten der organisierten Kriminalität,
des Frontlinien übergreifenden Schmuggels oder zielen absichtlich auf Destabilisierung
der Lage ab."

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