TBILISI, Georgia — Tensions escalated on Friday in Georgia’s separatist region of Abkhazia, where law enforcement officials and a large group of protesters clashed over a controversial proposal that would permit Russian citizens to purchase property in the area.

Demonstrators assembled outside the regional parliament in Sukhumi, the capital, where lawmakers were set to deliberate on an agreement that would facilitate Russian ownership of apartments in Abkhazia, a region known for its scenic mountains and beautiful Black Sea coastline, which attract many Russian tourists.

Abkhazia has been operating independently from Georgia since the conflict that concluded in 1993, with Georgian authority lost over the remaining territory as a result of a brief war with Russia in 2008. While Russia acknowledges Abkhazia as an independent entity, many locals, who number approximately 245,000, fear that their region is merely a proxy for Russian interests.

Critics of the proposed property legislation argue that it would favor Russians in the housing market, lead to increased property prices, and enhance Moscow’s influence over the region.

During the parliamentary meeting, which was later adjourned, protestors maintained their position near the security perimeter and even utilized a truck to breach it. In response, police prevented them from entering the legislative building as the crowd initiated a barrage of rocks and eggs, prompting authorities to deploy tear gas, according to various reports from Russian and Georgian media outlets.

As of now, there have been no confirmed reports of arrests or injuries from the clashes. The situation had already been tense following the arrest of five opposition leaders during a demonstration earlier in the week, which ignited widespread protests that included blockades of key bridges leading into Sukhumi the next day.