A Russian diplomat in the Abkhaz capital was killed Monday by unknown assailants on the fifth anniversary of Abkhazia and Russia establishing diplomatic relations.
Dmitry Vishernev, 36, the first secretary at the Russian Embassy in Sukhumi, was shot in the head at close range while driving out of a garage at around 8:30 a.m, RIA Novosti reported.
Vishernev's wife was injured while sitting next to him in the government car and underwent surgery at a local hospital. The head doctor at the hospital told Interfax that she did not regain consciousness following the operation and was in critical condition.
The Russian ambassador to Abkhazia, Semyon Grigoriyev, said he was waiting for a report from investigators.
"Talking about any versions of what happened is premature,” he said, according to Interfax. “An investigation is being carried out."
The motives behind the attack were unclear. Russia's Investigative Committee said in a statement that it had begun a “procedural check” in connection with the shooting and that Russian investigators from the North Caucasus Federal District would travel to Abkhazia to assist in an inquiry.
Russia was the first country to recognize Abkhazia's independence when it broke away from Georgia in 2008 and helps subsidize its government. Most of the world, however, continues to see the region as a part of Georgia.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
