Georgian Legislators Clash in Parliament Following Crackdown on Foreign Agent Protesters

Violent clashes erupted between Georgian lawmakers in parliament and protesters on the streets of Tbilisi over a controversial 'foreign agents' bill. The proposed legislation, which would require organizations receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as 'foreign agents', has been criticized by the opposition and Western nations as authoritarian and Russian-inspired.

Security forces used water cannons, tear gas, and stun grenades against thousands of demonstrators outside parliament, leading to 63 arrests and 6 injured officers. The leader of the largest opposition party, Levan Khabeishvili, was reportedly badly beaten by police, leaving him with a concussion, broken facial bones, and missing teeth.

The ruling Georgian Dream party, founded by billionaire and former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, is likely to approve the bill despite strong opposition. Ivanishvili defended the legislation, arguing it would bolster national sovereignty amid Western attempts to lead Georgia into confrontation with Russia. He also hinted at a potential post-election crackdown on the opposition.

The United States, Britain, and the European Union have condemned the bill, warning that it could derail Georgia's European integration hopes. The EU's foreign policy chief criticized the use of force against peaceful protesters and called on Georgian authorities to ensure the right to peaceful assembly.

Why this matters: The violent clashes and controversial legislation highlight the deepening political divisions in Georgia and the country's precarious position between Russia and the West. The outcome of this conflict could have significant implications for Georgia's democratic future and its aspirations for European integration.

Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili and rights ombudsman condemned the disproportionate use of force by police against protesters. The Georgian Young Lawyers Association and Transparency International Georgia called for an investigation into the police conduct during the protests. As the parliamentary debate on the bill is set to resume, tensions remain high in Tbilisi with the prospect of further clashes between protesters and security forces.

Key Takeaways

• Violent clashes in Tbilisi over 'foreign agents' bill, 63 arrests, 6 injured
• Proposed law would require NGOs with >20% foreign funding to register as 'foreign agents'
• Opposition, West condemn bill as authoritarian, police crackdown on protesters
• Ruling party likely to approve bill despite opposition, EU warns of EU integration risks
• President, rights groups condemn disproportionate use of force, call for investigation