In Georgia, for the second night in a row, riot police had to use tear gas and water cannons to break up protests. These demonstrations are against a proposed law that many see as being influenced by Russia.
The bill, known as the “foreign agent” law, has caused a lot of controversy. It’s been passed by parliament, and its second reading happened on Wednesday, resulting in more clashes between protesters and authorities.
The European Union is concerned about the situation. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the European Commission, expressed worry about what’s happening in Georgia. She emphasized that the people of Georgia want their country to have a European future, and she urged Georgia to stick to its path towards Europe.
The ruling party in Georgia, Georgian Dream, argues that the bill is about making foreign funding more transparent. But many protesters fear that it will be used to silence dissenting voices ahead of upcoming elections.
Critics of the bill say it’s similar to authoritarian laws in Russia, which are used to suppress opposition. The founder of Georgian Dream, Bidzina Ivanishvili, even suggested that there’s a global agenda at play, using Georgia as a pawn in a larger confrontation with Russia.
Despite opposition, the bill is moving forward in parliament. If it passes a third reading, it will go to President Salome Zurabishvili for approval. However, she has promised to veto it. Yet, Georgian Dream has enough support in parliament to override her veto.
The government aims to have the law enacted by the end of the month. Once in effect, organizations will have to disclose if they receive foreign funding.
These protests have been ongoing for weeks now. They started in mid-April, with many Georgians worried that the bill could derail their country’s path towards joining the EU.
The proposed law would require NGOs and independent media to register as entities influenced by foreign powers if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad. They would also face monitoring by Georgia’s justice ministry and could be fined heavily if they fail to comply.
European leaders have criticized the bill, saying it goes against European values. But the Georgian government remains steadfast, insisting that the law is about transparency and denying any Russian involvement.
The prime minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, has accused NGOs of trying to incite revolutions and of promoting ideas contrary to Georgian culture. He stands behind the bill, dismissing claims that it contradicts European values.
President Zurabichvili, while largely having a ceremonial role, has spoken out against the bill and the use of force against protesters. She’s urged the interior ministry to show restraint.
