(Read full article on civil.ge)

Sokhumi “prosecutor’s office” today launched a probe into the unrest that erupted in the town on December 21-22 during an opposition rally against Abkhaz leader Aslan Bzhania.

Sokhumi-based Apsnypress news agency reported that prosecutors are leading the investigation under articles 206 (1), 206 (2) and 320 (1) of the Abkhaz “criminal code,” involving the organization of mass riots accompanied by pogroms and destruction of property; participation in the mass riots; use of violence or threat of violence against a “government official,” respectively.

The first charge carries a prison term of five to ten years, the second envisages imprisonment for a term of four to eight years, while the third is punishable by a fine or a prison sentence of two to five years.

According to Apsnypress prosecutors are now carrying out investigative measures to identify the suspects and establish the amount of damage caused by the unrest.