A criminal case has been opened in Abkhazia over the attempted rape of a Belarusian woman. The suspect, Edgar Abukhba, is already in custody in connection with the murder of a Russian woman.
According to the prosecutor’s office of self-proclaimed Abkhazia, which announced the case, it was opened on November 3. According to investigators, the attack took place on September 18, 2025, in Gagra.
Investigators allege that Abukhba attempted to rape the Belarusian woman on the seafront opposite the Europa Hotel, threatened to kill her and used physical violence, causing bodily injuries. The woman shouted for help and managed to escape while her attacker was distracted.
The case has been opened under Part 3 of Article 29 and Paragraph “b” of Part 2 of Article 126 of the Criminal Code of Abkhazia. The statement does not explain why proceedings were initiated more than a year after the alleged incident.
The prosecutor’s investigative department is also handling a case involving the intentional murder of Russian citizen Amina Bikbova, for which Abukhba has been charged. According to the authorities, the murder took place on September 23, 2026, in the village of Psakhara, Gagra District.
Abukhba was detained on September 27, and on September 29 the Gagra District Court remanded him in custody. The two criminal cases are expected to be consolidated into a single set of proceedings.