Protesters Clash with Police in Tbilisi over Controversial Foreign Agent Law

Thousands of protesters in Tbilisi, Georgia have clashed with police, protest, foreign, influence, bill for the third week over a controversial 'foreign influence' bill that would require organizations receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as 'foreign agents'. The bill, backed by the ruling Georgian Dream party, is seen by critics as a threat to democracy and freedom in the country.

Riot police used police, tear, gas, protest, water cannons, and rubber bullets to violently crack down on the protests, beating and arresting many people. The clashes erupted as protesters tried to block the parliament building to prevent lawmakers from leaving during the debate on the legislation in its second plenary hearing.

The bill has been criticized by the EU, US, and UK as undermining Georgia's aspirations to join the European Union. They have warned that the law could be used to suppress voices critical of the government, similar to legislation in Russia. Despite the president's threat to veto the law, the ruling party has enough seats to override the veto.

Why this matters: The ongoing protests and violent clashes, foreign in Tbilisi highlight the deepening political divisions in Georgia over the country's future direction. The outcome of the controversial foreign, bill could have significant implications for Georgia's democratic aspirations and its path towards EU membership.

The parliamentary session ended without a vote on the bill, and the debate is set to resume on Wednesday. Punches were thrown last month in parliament during discussions about the controversial new law. The government organized a rally in support of the bill, attended by thousands, support, russian, foreign, influence, l. But the proposed legislation has deepened divisions between the governing Georgian Dream party and the protest movement backed by opposition groups, civil society, celebrities, and the Georgian President.

Key Takeaways

• Thousands protest in Georgia over 'foreign influence' bill
• Police use tear gas, water cannons to crack down on protests
• Bill criticized by EU, US, UK as threat to democracy
• Ruling party has enough votes to override presidential veto
• Protests highlight deepening political divisions in Georgia