DECREE ISSUED BY THE PRESIDIUM OF THE SUPREME COUNCIL OF ABKHAZ ASSR on measures for maintaining the public order and lawfulness in Abkhazia

The Presidium of the Supreme Council notes that public-political environment has significantly worsened over the recent period due to the actions of disobedience to the new state structures of Georgia carried out by the public organizations.

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… These actions take illegal character; unauthorized demonstrations, processions and strikes, pickets and blockades of the railroad have become the norm. The organizers of these disorders, covered up with the slogans of protection the Constitutional rights, encourage the public disorder themselves.

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Against the background of armed confrontation and human casualties in Tbilisi, the destabilization of the public-political situation and operation of economic establishments of Abkhazia aggravates the complicated situation in the Republic and may lead to the clash of large groups of people.

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Guiding with the Constitution of Abkhazia, the Presidium of the Supreme Council decrees:

1. The Council of Ministers, city and district Councils of the People’s Deputies shall take immediate measures in order to maintain public order in the cities and districts of Abkhazia, strengthen control over, and management of the organizations, institutions and enterprises.

2. The Procuracy, Ministry of Interior, The Service on Public Order of Abkhazia shall reveal and bring to the justice in accordance with the legislation those persons that will be found guilty in public disorder, including the organizers of unlawful strikes and demonstrations.

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Chairman of the Supreme Council of Abkhazia V. Ardzinba

13 January 1992

(Newspaper “Respublika Abkhazia”, # 11, 17 January 1992)