On 3 December 2016, Bzhania was detained by Russian border guards before crossing the border into Abkhazia. The event triggered protests by the Abkhazian opposition, who alleged Bzhania had been arrested on behest of the Abkhazian authorities.[9] On 4 December, President Khajimba asked the Russian Ambassador in Abkhazia to facilitate Bzhania's release.[10] In the evening, Bzhania was released and allowed to cross the border.