Georgia's breakaway region of Abkhazia remains tense - a day after supporters of presidential candidate Sergei Bagapsh seized regional government offices.

Crowds stormed the buildings in the capital, Sukhumi, Friday. Several people were injured, and one woman died of a gunshot wound.

Abkhazia Remains Tense After Building Takeover

Mr. Bagapsh blames the shooting on guards, while Abkhaz officials say Mr. Bagapsh's supporters were responsible.

Abkhazia Remains Tense After Building Takeover

The region's high court last month declared Mr. Bagapsh the winner of a disputed October presidential election, but then reversed itself and ordered a new vote. His supporters have rejected fresh elections.

Abkhazia Remains Tense After Building Takeover

Russia said Friday it will act if necessary to protect its interests. Tbilisi then accused Moscow of interfering in Georgia's internal affairs - a charge Moscow rejects.

Abkhaz President Vladislav Ardzinba described the events Friday in the pro-Russian enclave as an attempted coup. Abkhazia broke away from Georgia in the 1990s.