Georgia Parliament Approves Controversial “Foreign Agents” Bill Amid Protests
The recent developments in Georgia have sparked widespread protests and political turmoil as the ruling Georgian Dream party clashes with opposition parties, civil society groups, and celebrities over a controversial bill on “foreign agents”. Here is a detailed overview of the situation:
Background
- The bill, requiring organizations with over 20% foreign funding to register as agents of foreign influence, has been heavily criticized and likened to Kremlin-inspired laws.
- Protests have been ongoing for almost a month, with demonstrators expressing concerns over potential suppression of dissent and loss of national sovereignty.
Protests and Crackdown
- Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets nightly, leading to confrontations with security forces and clashes outside the parliament building.
- A crackdown on protesters, involving water cannons, tear gas, and stun grenades, resulted in numerous arrests and injuries, drawing international condemnation.
Political Tensions
- Opposition parties, civil society groups, and even the country’s figurehead president have united against the bill, leading to a divisive political landscape.
- Parliament, dominated by the ruling party, has pushed the legislation forward despite strong opposition and protests.
International Response
- The European Union has expressed concerns that the bill could impact Georgia’s integration process and has criticized the recent crackdown on protesters.
Key Players
- Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party, supports the bill as a measure to protect national sovereignty against perceived Western influence.
- Opposition leader Levan Khabeishvili suffered severe injuries during a protest, highlighting the escalating tensions surrounding the bill.
