Brawl Erupts in Georgian Parliament Over Foreign Agents Bill

A brawl involving around 40 deputies broke out in the Georgian parliament on April 30, 2024 during a heated discussion of a controversial foreign agents bill. The clashes led to the suspension of the parliamentary session and sparked protests in the capital city of Tbilisi.

The bill, which is viewed by the opposition and Western nations as authoritarian and Russian-inspired, would require organizations receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as "foreign agents." Critics have compared it to Russia's foreign agent legislation, which has been used to restrict dissent and civil society groups.

Despite the protests and the brawl, the bill was adopted in its first reading by the parliament, which is controlled by the ruling Georgian Dream party. The final reading of the bill is scheduled for May 17, and the Georgian president, Salome Zourabichvili, has vowed to veto it if it is approved. However, the ruling party has enough lawmakers to override her veto.

Outside the parliament building, thousands of protesters rallied against the bill, demanding the government withdraw it immediately. Police used tear gas, water cannons, and stun grenades to disperse the demonstrators, leading to clashes and dozens of arrests. Several journalists and opposition leaders, including the chairman of the United National Movement party, were attacked and injured during the crackdown.

Why this matters: The foreign agents bill has deepened divisions in Georgia and raised concerns about the country's democratic backsliding. The United States, United Kingdom, and the European Union have criticized the bill, warning that its adoption could disrupt Georgia's progress towards EU integration and damage its transatlantic aspirations.

The Georgian Foreign Minister met with the European Commission Vice President to discuss the foreign agents law, with the Vice President emphasizing the need for transparency. Civil society organizations have called on the public to join the ongoing protests against the bill. Former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, who founded the ruling Georgian Dream party, has harshly criticized the West and hinted at a post-election crackdown on the opposition.

The brawl in parliament and the violent police response to the protests have drawn condemnation from the international community. The German ambassador and European officials called for consequences, including the potential withdrawal of EU candidate status for Georgia. The US State Department expressed strong concerns over the "Kremlin-inspired" foreign influence law and its impact on Georgia's European aspirations. As one protester stated, "We will not let our country become a Russian colony again. We will fight for our freedom and European future."

Key Takeaways

• Brawl in Georgian parliament over controversial foreign agents bill.
• Bill would require foreign-funded organizations to register as "foreign agents".
• Protests and clashes with police outside parliament, dozens arrested.
• Bill adopted in first reading, president vows to veto, but ruling party can override.
• Bill raises concerns about Georgia's democratic backsliding and EU integration.