18:13, 30 July 2020

Abkhazia: rally participants demand to open Russian border

The rally held in the city of Gagra on July 29, 2020. Screenshot of the video https://t.me/DNAbkhazia/1198

Because the border is closed due to the pandemic, residents of Abkhazia cannot receive medical care in Russian hospitals; and some have lost their incomes and need authorities' support. This was stated by the participants of the rally held in the city of Gagra.

On July 29, a rally was held there against the extension of restrictions on crossing the border until August 4, imposed due to COVID-19, the "Nuzhnaya Gazeta" (Needed Newspaper) writes.

The elderly protesters said that all their financial reserves had run out; and they did not know how to get through the winter.

As of July 29, the number of coronavirus cases in Abkhazia was 71; two persons died.

"The protesters demanded the opening of the border and social payments to war invalids, large and low-income families ... Over the past three months, the Gagra District Administration has provided social support to those in need more than once. We'll always help our people, but the current situation cannot be resolved in one day," said Yuri Khagush, the head of the Gagra District, as reported by the "AIAAIRA News".

Earlier, the "Caucasian Knot" reported about local residents' problems due to absence of tourists.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on July 30, 2020 at 07:03 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.