Georgia: "Russian-Style" Law Sparks Renewed Protests
Thousands of demonstrators convened outside the Parliament building in Tbilisi on Tuesday evening, protesting the government's intention to reintroduce the controversial "foreign agents" bill.
The proposed legislation, initially introduced last year, would mandate that organisations receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad register as "agents of foreign interests." Detractors assert that the bill is a thinly disguised attempt to intimidate and suppress independent media outlets and civil society organisations.
The protest was orchestrated by a coalition of NGOs and opposition parties. Addressing the rally, speakers urged the government to abandon the bill, deeming it a threat to Georgia's democracy and its aspirations to join the European Union.
"When this bill was first debated and we voiced our opposition, we believed our concerns were heard and understood, but clearly, that is not the case," said protest Keti Kivinikadze. "Therefore, we must reiterate our demands – where we want to be, with whom, and on our own terms. If those in power comprehend our message, well and good. If not, we will be compelled to return to the streets."
The renewed push for the "foreign agents" bill by the ruling Georgian Dream party has been met with condemnation. Critics maintain it mirrors Russia's own restrictive "foreign agents" law, designed to stifle dissent. The Georgian Dream party refutes these accusations, asserting the bill's necessity in safeguarding Georgia from undue foreign influence.
Both the United States and the European Union have denounced the bill as incompatible with Georgia's democratic principles. Furthermore, the EU has cautioned that the legislation could imperil Georgia's bid to join the bloc.
The Tbilisi protest marks the most recent in a wave of demonstrations against the "foreign agents" bill. Mass protests in March 2023 compelled the government to withdraw the legislation. Whether the government will succeed in passing the bill this time remains in question. The Georgian Dream party holds a parliamentary majority but faces mounting public resistance.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
