Georgian Public Defender condemns transfer of Bichvinta holiday area to Russia in occupied Abkhazia

Georgian Public Defender Levan Ioseliani on Wednesday condemned the ratification of the transfer of the Bichvinta holiday area to Russia in the country’s Russian-occupied Abkhazia region, labeling it as “disturbing.” 

The move, sanctioned by the de facto parliament of Abkhazia, has sparked concerns over its impact on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia, in direct contradiction to the nation’s constitution.Ioseliani emphasized that the decision by the de facto parliament constituted a “gross violation” and insisted that Georgia’s jurisdiction extends to Abkhazia as an integral part of the country. According to him, any disposal of state-owned real estate in the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia should “strictly adhere” to the rules established by Georgian legislation, as outlined in the Law of Georgia on State Property.

“The transfer is another clear manifestation of the numerous and large-scale practices taking place in the occupied territories of Georgia, for which Russia bears responsibility,” stated Ioseliani.

Under the terms of the transfer, ownership of all constructions within the Bichvinta holiday area will be granted to the Russian Federal Protection Service, with the surrounding 186-hectare land being transferred to Russia on a 49-year lease.