Abkhaz blogger advocating for reconciliation with Georgia found dead in Tbilisi
Daur Buava, 31, one of the most prominent Abkhaz bloggers and proponents of reconciliation between Georgians and Abkhazians, was found dead in his apartment in Tbilisi, where he lived. Surveillance cameras last recorded him on August 23. A few days later, neighbors contacted the police after smelling a strong odor from the apartment, writes the BBC Russian Service.
The exact cause of death has not yet been established. Investigators are conducting an examination and investigation. During the initial inspection of the body, no signs of violence were found. The case is being investigated, in particular, under the article on incitement to suicide.
The blogger's death caused a great resonance in Georgia. People call him "an ambassador of peace" and "a bridge between the Georgian and Abkhaz peoples." Buava's acquaintance, Tamta Mikeladze, director of the Center for Social Justice, urged the investigation to thoroughly clarify the circumstances of his death. She noted that the blogger received many threats due to his views.
Buava was born in Abkhazia, studied and lived in Russia for some time, but later returned to his native region. In 2021, he came to Tbilisi, and it was there that his attitude towards Georgians significantly changed. Previously, he perceived them as enemies, but after living in Tbilisi, he stated that he did not see hostility in the Georgian people, so he decided to stay in Georgia.
The blogger openly advocated for the reconciliation of Abkhazians and Georgians and supported the idea of Abkhazia being part of Georgia with autonomy. In one of his most famous videos, he walked onto Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi with a poster: "I am Abkhaz. If you think we are brothers - hug me." Passers-by of various ages approached him and hugged him.
Buava's position provoked a sharp reaction in Abkhazia. In 2022, the local state security service initiated a criminal case against him under the article of "state treason," stating that his TikTok videos allegedly harmed the sovereignty and security of Abkhazia. In December of the same year, the blogger received Georgian citizenship through a simplified procedure.
Buava had over 100,000 subscribers on TikTok, about 57,000 on Facebook, and almost 23,000 on Instagram. He believed that young people on both sides of the Inguri River could play an important role in the peaceful settlement of the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict.
Abkhazia effectively separated from Georgia after the 1992-1993 war. In 2008, Russia recognized its independence, however, Georgia considers the region Russian-occupied territory, and most countries in the world recognize Abkhazia as part of Georgia.
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