Thousands clash with police in Georgia after Parliament OKs first reading of 'foreign agent' law
Thousands of Georgians took to the streets of central Tbilisi after the parliament passed the first reading of a controversial "foreign agent" law that critics, including the United States and EU, say will impact freedoms in the South Caucasus country, RFE reports.
Riot police faced off with protesters late on March 7 in front of the parliament building as demonstrators blocked Rustaveli Avenue, with some in the crowd shouting "Down with the Russian law."
As tensions soared, police used what appeared to be pepper spray on demonstrators, with several protesters breaking through barriers and some throwing objects at security personnel.
Later, police -- using water cannons and tear gas and amid unconfirmed reports of stun guns being deployed -- moved to break up the protests in the early morning hours, although it was not immediately clear if protesters had left the main demonstration area or moved to other sites.
The clashes came after lawmakers voted 76-13 in the first reading of draft legislation in a ballot originally scheduled for March 9 but moved up for unexplained reasons.
Second and third readings are to follow, but given the voting margin, the bill is expected to pass parliament.
