Police Deploy Water Cannons As Thousands Protest in Georgia Against Foreign Agent Bill

Georgia's police have deployed water cannons as tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Wednesday to demonstrate against a controversial foreign agent bill that critics say resembles Russian legislation used to silence dissent.

The protests, which have been ongoing for three weeks, turned violent as riot police used tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds near the parliament building on Rustaveli Avenue and Freedom Square.

The bill, which passed its second reading in parliament despite the protests, would require media and non-commercial organizations receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as "pursuing the interests of a foreign power". The ruling Georgian Dream party has pushed the legislation forward, even as the European Union has warned that it could undermine Tbilisi's aspirations to join the bloc.

Clashes had erupted between protesters and police, with the Interior Ministry reporting that 63 people were detained and 6 police officers injured.

Why this matters: The protests in Georgia highlight the growing tensions between the country's pro-Western aspirations and the influence of Russia in the region. The proposed foreign agent bill is seen as a significant test for Georgia's democracy and its path towards European integration.

The EU's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, strongly condemned the violence against the peaceful protesters, stating that the right to peaceful assembly must be protected and that the use of force to suppress it is unacceptable. The US State Department also expressed concerns over the draft law and its potential negative impact on Georgia's European aspirations.

Despite the government's attempts to quell the unrest, the protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations until the bill is withdrawn. The protests, largely led by young pro-EU activists, have been hailed as a fight to prevent Georgia from falling under Russian influence and to preserve the country's European future.

Key Takeaways

• Georgia's police have deployed water cannons as tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Tbilisi
• The protesters are against "foreign agent" bill seen as Russian-inspired
• Bill would require media, NGOs with >20% foreign funding to register as "foreign agents"
• Violent clashes between protesters and police, with dozens detained and injuries reported
• EU, US condemn crackdown, warn bill could undermine Georgia's EU integration aspirations
• President vows to veto bill, but ruling party can override; protesters vow to continue