On the evening of November 11, protests erupted in Sokhumi and near the Gumista Bridge, led by Adgur Ardzinba, a prominent figure in the Abkhazian opposition. Ardzinba addressed the crowd, citing the recent detentions of several associates, including two former de-facto MPs, a lawyer, a former presidential administration employee, an athlete, and a patriot. He criticized de-facto President Aslan Bzhania for allegedly labeling these individuals as “extremists” during remarks at the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Drawing a historical parallel, Ardzinba remarked, “Shevardnadze called our fathers separatists during the war; today, we are branded extremists in our own land.” He argued that Bzhania's actions reveal a “complete lack of legitimacy” and warned that attempts at intimidation often backfire in Abkhazia.

Meanwhile, opposition MPs Kaan Kvarchia and Levan Mikaa called on citizens to join mass protests against the detentions. However, pro-government sources reported limited turnout. Protesters initially gathered at Freedom Square, but by late evening, attendance dwindled to around 50 people, prompting some to relocate to the Gumista Bridge. Reports indicated that even there, the turnout peaked at only 150 participants, reflecting limited public support.

In response, President Bzhania convened an emergency Security Council meeting, describing the protesters' actions—such as blocking the main republican road—as “criminal.” According to the council, the unrest was triggered by the detention of four individuals who allegedly tried to assault an MP after an extraordinary parliamentary session. Prosecutor General Adgur Agrba stated that these detainees, now held in pre-trial detention, were accused of using “foul language” during the incident. The prosecutor’s office has launched a procedural review.

Despite efforts by authorities to negotiate and reopen blocked roads, opposition activists continued to obstruct the Kodori Bridge into the morning of November 12. President Bzhania assured the public that the government had worked through the night to defuse the situation, successfully negotiating with residents from Adzyubzha to reopen one section of the highway. He urged citizens to remain calm and resist provocations, affirming that law enforcement was prepared to maintain order.

Opposition leader Levan Mikaa later claimed that the Kodori Bridge had been blocked again, accusing authorities of reneging on their promise to release detained opposition figures. However, opposition channels reported the release of former MP Tengiz Agrba, who had been detained on November 9. The Sukhumi City Court dismissed administrative offense charges against opposition figures Jopua, Kokai, and Ardzinba, citing a “lack of evidence.”

On November 12, an extended session of the Parliamentary Committee on Defense and National Security was convened, attended by Deputy Prosecutor General Damir Kvitsinia and Deputy Interior Minister Beslan Chkadua. The meeting focused on the detentions of activists Harry Kokai, Almaskhan Ardzinba, Omar Smyr, and Ramaz Jopua, along with former MP Tengiz Agrba. MPs demanded explanations from law enforcement regarding the detentions and the current security climate.

The Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs reported that the detained individuals had engaged in “illegal actions” against MP Almas Akab outside parliament, accompanied by abusive language. Legal proceedings are underway, with the detainees facing charges under Article 166 of the RA Code of Administrative Offenses, which covers “Petty Hooliganism” and can result in fines, corrective labor, or up to 30 days of administrative arrest. The Deputy Prosecutor General clarified that while Agrba had been released on November 11, discrepancies in his documentation raised questions. However, MPs insisted that the court’s release order should have been honored regardless.

Following the release of detained activists, opposition members lifted the blockade at the Gumista Bridge, effectively ending road closures across the region. Opposition Telegram channels confirmed that all activists detained on November 11 had been freed, leading to the cessation of blockades.

Russian Deputy State Duma Chairman Konstantin Zatulin weighed in on the protests, suggesting that the unrest was driven by opposition to the planned November 15 parliamentary ratification of an investment agreement with Russia. Zatulin claimed that opposition leaders are leveraging public anxieties over the agreement to undermine President Bzhania's administration. Speaking on ‘Govorit Moskva’ radio, he accused opposition figures of stirring up “dark sentiments among the population” to destabilize the situation. He argued that the investment agreement is crucial for reassuring investors and bolstering Abkhazia’s economic growth, stressing that those who oppose it are against cooperation with Abkhazia’s “only significant ally,” Russia, which has consistently supported the region’s independence.