Protests Persist in Georgia As Thousands March Against Controversial Foreign Agent Bill

Thousands of protesters have continued to take to the streets in Tbilisi, Georgia, demonstrating against a controversial "foreign influence" bill that critics argue would stifle media freedom and undermine the country's democratic progress. The proposed law, which has passed its first and second readings in parliament, would require organizations receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as agents of foreign influence.

Why this matters: The outcome of this struggle will have significant implications for Georgia's democratic future and its potential membership in the European Union. The adoption of this bill could also set a dangerous precedent for other countries in the region, threatening to undermine democratic values and human rights.

Protests, which began in early April, have drawn widespread international condemnation. The European Union, United Nations, United States, and other Western nations have expressed deep concerns about the bill, warning that it could hurt Georgia's prospects of joining the EU. UN rights chief Volker Türk urged Georgian authorities to withdraw the draft law, saying it poses "serious threats to the rights to freedom of expression and association."

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the violence on the streets of Tbilisi and emphasized Georgia's position at a crossroads. "The Georgian people want a European future for their country," she stated. "Georgia is at a crossroads. It should stay the course on the road to Europe." The EU has warned that adoption of the bill in its current form would create a serious obstacle to Georgia's EU membership aspirations.

Police have responded with force, using tear gas, water cannons, and pepper spray to disperse the crowds. At least 15 people have been hospitalized, including members of law enforcement, and over 60 protesters have been arrested.

The ruling Georgian Dream party claims the foreign law is needed to ensure transparency of foreign funding, with its billionaire founder Bidzina Ivanishvili asserting that Georgia must defend its sovereignty against Western attempts to dictate to it. However, critics see the bill as authoritarian and Kremlin-inspired, resembling Russia's 2012 law used to stifle anti-Kremlin advocacy groups and media organizations.

Georgia's President Salome Zourabichvili, a fierce critic of the governing party, has vowed to veto the bill. However, the Georgian Dream party holds a parliamentary majority and could potentially override her decision. The standoff is seen as part of a wider struggle that could determine whether Georgia moves closer towards Europe or back under Moscow's influence, ahead of a pivotal parliamentary election in October.

Key Takeaways

• Tens of thousands protest in Georgia against "foreign influence" bill.
• Bill would require NGOs receiving >20% foreign funding to register as foreign agents.
• EU, UN, and US condemn bill, warning it could hurt Georgia's EU membership prospects.
• Police respond to protests with force, resulting in injuries and arrests.
• Bill's adoption could set a dangerous precedent for democratic values in the region.