Ali Hasanov was part of the old elite that has been systematically sidelined over the past two years in favor of officials associated with the president's wife.
Following an investigation into a high-level crime ring accused of selling Armenian infants to foreigners, women who think they may have been victims are demanding justice.
Moscow, which heavily backs the de facto republic, called the events an “internal affair” of Abkhazia and appealed for talks between the government and opposition.