Georgia Parliament Approves Controversial “Foreign Agents” Bill
Georgia’s parliament has approved the second reading of a bill on “foreign agents” that has sparked criticism and protests within the country. The legislation, which requires foreign-funded NGOs to register as foreign agents, has raised concerns and led to significant unrest.
Protests Erupt Against the Bill
- Protests against the bill have escalated over the past month, culminating in a massive demonstration in central Tbilisi.
- The protests, which shut down parts of the city, mark the largest anti-government rally in Georgia to date.
- Georgia’s Health Ministry reported injuries to 11 people, including six police officers, following altercations during the protests.
Police Response and Political Reactions
Georgia police used tear gas, water cannons, and stun grenades to disperse protesters opposing the bill’s second reading. Deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze stated that protesters attempted to force their way into parliament, resulting in arrests and injuries.
Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, while expressing opposition to the bill, called for calm among protesters. She emphasized the importance of the upcoming parliamentary election in shaping the country’s future.
International Comparisons and Continued Protests
The bill has been likened to laws in Russia used to suppress dissent, leading to the nickname “the Russian law” among critics in Georgia. Protesters have regrouped, with some creating barricades and lighting bonfires outside parliament.
The Georgian Dream-led parliament, supported by its allies, has advanced the bill despite opposition. The legislation requires one final vote to become law, sparking tense debates and physical confrontations among legislators.