Social media users debated the reasons for the conflict with tourists in Sukhumi.

Local residents could have beaten Russian tourists in Sukhumi, as they provoked the conflict with their behavior, stated some social media commentators. Others pointed out that the tourists' behavior does not justify violence.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", conflicts involving tourists periodically occur in Abkhazia. For instance, on August 2, a 37-year-old resident of Cherkessk, who came for vacation, was attacked in Sukhumi and was hospitalized with a concussion and other injuries. The suspect in the attack was detained on August 11.

On August 29, a post about the attack on tourists in Abkhazia was published on the Facebook page of "Caucasian Knot". According to "Caution, News", the incident occurred on August 26 during an excursion to Lake Ritsa. The group consisted of 8 Russian tourists, including women and an 8-year-old child. According to one of the victims, the conflict began after a dispute over an additional charge for the excursion and later continued in a café – one of the tourists complained about the quality of food and prices. A few minutes later, one of the drivers hit a tourist in the face. After that, about 30 people joined him.

As of 11:20 AM Moscow time on August 31, this post on the Facebook page of "Caucasian Knot", which has about 164,000 followers, received 2,862 reactions and 2,134 comments.

Some users believed that the tourists themselves could have provoked the conflict with their behavior. "They provoked all the way, insulted the waitress with foul language, the result – they caught the ball of luck," said a comment from user Ainar Agrba.

"I know the tourists personally, I worked in tourism myself, most often they provoke conflicts themselves, I do not justify the beating," stated Jandar Bayramkul.

"And in Russia, are Russian citizens not beaten at all? And is any behavior forgiven? Who told them that they can do anything in a foreign country? One must respect both oneself and the traditions of the place they are in!" stated Ruslan Chamyam.

Other users argued that even inappropriate behavior by tourists does not justify violence. "They have the right to complain; they are paying for it. But attacking 30 people is cowardly and speaks of the attackers' cowardice," wrote Maiya Gashim.

"It has been said since ancient times in the Caucasus, and it has been established that a guest is a messenger of God, and he is welcomed as it should be, according to all the canons of Caucasian hospitality. Even if a guest is wrong and behaves tactlessly, raising a hand against him does not honor the host. Caucasian politeness and a kind word are the best weapons against unconscious rudeness," noted Tsara Khabaev.

"Everything depends on upbringing and human dignity! There are people, and there are wild beasts — that's all!" believes Oksana Chvyaleva.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Abkhazia reported on August 29 about a procedural check based on a statement from a resident of Moscow. According to the agency, the man, along with family members, was part of an excursion group at Lake Ritsa, and as a result of the fight, he and his brother sustained soft tissue injuries and a concussion.

These injuries were recorded at the Gudauta Central District Hospital, according to a statement published on the ministry's website.

Later, the agency reported that all participants in the incident had been identified, and three citizens of Abkhazia were taken to the police station for clarification of the circumstances. Eyewitnesses were interviewed, and materials are being collected for procedural decisions. In the first report, the café "Grot" was named as the location of the conflict, while in subsequent reports, it was referred to as the summer café "Ritsa-Minerale".