New violence in Georgia, the “Russian law” was voted. The police fired tear gas into the crowd that stormed the Parliament

It was the second night of violent protests in the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi. Police fired tear gas and stun grenades at protesters trying to enter parliament. Their anger is directed against the controversial “foreign agents” bill, which was also passed in the second reading by Parliament yesterday, despite massive mobilization in the streets.

Thousands of people waving Georgian and European Union flags gathered outside the parliament. For almost a month, people have been coming out by the tens of thousands in increasingly large demonstrations, and last night’s was the biggest yet. Protesters erected barricades and set fire, while police used water cannons.

The parliamentarians on Wednesday approved with 83 votes in favor and 23 against in the second reading the controversial “foreign agents” bill.

The bill requires organizations that receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad to be registered as foreign agents. The initiative comes from the ruling Georgian Dream party and closely resembles a law passed in Russia that silenced critical voices.

The country’s president, in conflict with the government, has promised to veto it. But the Georgian Dream has enough votes to overcome it.

Once passed, the law could destroy Georgia’s chances of joining the EU.

Georgia’s ruling party wants it passed by the end of the month. The EU warns that this project could affect Georgia’s EU accession process.

Protesters fear the bill could be used to stifle criticism ahead of parliamentary elections this year. A similar law, which took effect in Russia in 2012, has been used to silence voices challenging Kremlin policy – including prominent cultural figures, media organizations and civil society groups.

A number of European leaders have warned that the bill is “incompatible” with European norms and values. But the government of Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stands firm. Kobakhidze accused the NGOs of trying to organize revolutions in Georgia twice, promoting “gay propaganda” and attacking the Georgian Orthodox Church.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday that she was following the events in Georgia with “great concern”. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, she added: “The Georgian people want a European future for their country. Georgia is at a crossroads. It should stay the course on the road to Europe.”

Publisher: GM

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