Protesters in Georgia are outraged by the government’s attempts to pass a law targeting ‘foreign agents’ that closely resembles repressive Russian legislation. Thousands of Georgians have taken to the streets in Tbilisi to protest against the bill, despite warnings from the government that it will proceed with the legislation.
Demonstrators gathered on Sunday night and declared their intention to stay overnight to block lawmakers from entering the building for the bill’s third reading on Monday. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze vowed to pass the bill this week and threatened legal action against protesters.
The proposed law would require organizations receiving more than 20 percent of their funding from abroad to register as agents of foreign influence or face hefty fines. Protesters fear that this law will jeopardize Georgia’s goal of joining the European Union and draw parallels to Russia’s controversial ‘foreign agents’ law.
Despite warnings from the authorities and reports of harassment, protesters remained resolute in their opposition to the bill. Many young Georgians, including students, have been at the forefront of the protests, with one student vowing to continue demonstrating indefinitely.
The ruling Georgia Dream party, led by Bidzina Ivanishvili, has faced backlash over its attempts to pass the bill, which was temporarily shelved last year after widespread criticism. The latest version of the bill, which now targets NGOs, media, and journalists as ‘organizations pursuing the interests of a foreign power’, has reignited protests accusing the government of aligning with Moscow’s interests.
Protesters argue that the legislation risks undermining Georgia’s relationship with the West and accuse the government of attempting to bring the country back under Russian influence following the 2008 war. Despite the ongoing protests, the government appears determined to push through the bill, sparking further tensions between authorities and demonstrators.