Criminal cases opened against participants in Interior Ministry storming - Abkhazian president
SUKHUM. July 11 (Interfax) - Persons behind the attack on the Abkhazian Interior Ministry building on July 5 will be held liable, and a decision regarding Interior Minister Leonid Dzapshba will be made at the end of the ongoing inquiry, Abkhazian President Raul Khadjimba said.
"Yes, they will be held liable. Criminal cases have been opened, and work is underway. I believe no one should avoid punishment for those events which could have led to the breakdown of our country," Khadjimba said at a press briefing in Sukhum.
The Abkhazian authorities are doing their best to prevent a recurrence of the disturbances, the president said. "Ample measures have been taken by law enforcement authorities and everyone who wants peace in Abkhazia, everything has been done to prevent a recurrence of those events," he said.
Khadjimba added that opposition co-leader and former Abkhazian Security Council Secretary Nugzar Ashuba "should answer in court" for his remarks on the July 5 events.
"I believe no one should avoid punishment for those events which could have led to the breakdown of our country. The statements made by the opposition, including so-called most experienced politician Nugzar Ashuba, are outrageous. This is not the best option but I have already given an order. Nugzar Ashuba will answer for everything he has done, in accordance with our laws," the president said.
As to what would happen to the suspended interior minister, he said, "I believe we will take relevant measures when the inquiry is over."
The Abkhazian opposition tried to storm the Interior Ministry building last week. The protesters crushed the gate and reached the square in front of the ministry's building. A fire engine was sent to the location for the purposes of stopping the protesters but police did not have to use the water cannon. About 700 opposition members participated in the protest.
The opposition stopped its action after Abkhazian Vice-President Vitaly Gabnia read out the Abkhazian president's order suspending Interior Minister Leonid Dzapshba for the period of the prosecutors' check.
A source in the presidential administration told Interfax later that unknown people opened fire on the vehicle of Khadjimba's supporters, inflicting injuries.
Abkhazian Prosecutor General Alexei Lomia said that his agency would give legal assessment to the actions of participants in the unpermitted rally held in Sukhum last Tuesday.