Georgian Police Clash with Protesters Over Controversial 'Foreign Agents' Law

Violent clashes erupted in Tbilisi, Georgia on Tuesday as thousands of protesters demonstrated against a controversial 'foreign agents' law proposed by the ruling Georgian Dream party. Police used water cannons, tear gas, and stun grenades to scatter the crowds, leading to dozens of arrests and injuries.

The bill, which critics have dubbed the 'Russian law,' would require organizations receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as agents of foreign influence. Opponents argue it is inspired by similar legislation used in Russia to suppress dissent and silence independent media and NGOs.

Despite the widespread protests and warnings from the European Union that the bill could derail Georgia's EU membership aspirations, the ruling party has pledged to push the law through. The Georgian parliament approved the bill in its second reading on Tuesday.

The protests, which have been ongoing for almost a month, drew tens of thousands to the streets of Tbilisi in the largest anti-government demonstration yet. Demonstrators have shut down central streets on a nightly basis, demanding the government withdraw the bill.

Police cracked down violently on the peaceful protesters, with reports of officers beating demonstrators and journalists. The leader of the main opposition party, the United National Movement, was left with a concussion, broken facial bones, and missing teeth after being badly beaten by police.

Why this matters: The protests have sparked a political crisis in Georgia, pitting the ruling party's perceived pro-Russian stance against the opposition and younger generation who see their future aligned with the West. The EU and US have strongly condemned the police violence and the controversial bill, warning it could seriously jeopardize Georgia's path towards European integration.

Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili has criticized the 'foreign agents' bill and vowed to veto it if passed, but the ruling party has enough seats in parliament to override a veto. In a statement on Tuesday, Zourabichvili called for restraint and said "the real task is to oust this government in the elections at the end of the year." The political crisis comes ahead of crucial parliamentary elections in October, which are seen as a test of Georgia's democracy amid fears the government could further crack down on dissent.

Key Takeaways

• Thousands protested in Tbilisi against 'foreign agents' law proposed by ruling party.
• Police used water cannons, tear gas, and stun grenades, leading to arrests and injuries.
• Bill would require organizations with >20% foreign funding to register as foreign agents.
• EU and US condemned police violence, warned law could jeopardize Georgia's EU integration.
• President criticized bill, vowed to veto, but ruling party can override; elections loom.

#WATCH: Georgian Police Clash with Protesters Over Controversial 'Foreign Agents' Law#Georgia #Clash #Protests #Tbilisi #Breaking #News #TrimFeed #WorldNews #DailyNews #BreakingNews #TrimFeedNewsUpdate #TrimFeedNews pic.twitter.com/HnuC2HDWpR

— TrimFeed (@trimfeed) May 2, 2024