Thaindian News

GUDAUTA, ABKHAZIA (BNO NEWS) — A representative of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Abkhazia was killed on Friday and two others were injured after an attack on a local mosque, the Apsnypress news service reported on Saturday.

The mosque, located in the town of Gudauta in Gudauta District, was attacked by unidentified gunmen on late Friday. The assailants arrived in a Volkswagen SUV and opened fire at the mosque in which eight representatives of the Muslim community were inside.

In consequence, Arsaul Pilia, 34, was killed at the scene while two others sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to the district hospital. One of the wounded attempted to chase the gunmen but opened fire on the victim until they fled in their vehicle.

Local police and Abkhazia’s State Security Service are currently in the area to look for evidence and examine the vehicle of the gunmen, which was found burned nearby. Abkhaz Prime Minister Sergei Shamba also arrived at the crime scene, and condemned the attack.

“The attack on members of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims can be viewed as an attempt by some forces to make events taking place in the North Caucuses spill over to Abkhazia,” Shamba said.

The PM described the attack as flagrant and added that he is convinced that the incident involving the Muslim community is not the result of inter-religious conflict. He assured that they will work tirelessly to solve the crime.

Abkhazia considers itself an independent state and is recognized by several countries, including Russia and Venezuela. The Georgian government and the majority of the world, however, do not recognize Abkhazia.