Clashes over ‘foreign agent’ bill rock Georgia

Riot police in Georgia fired tear gas and water cannon for a second night to disperse crowds protesting against a proposed law labeled as Russian-inspired by opponents. The controversial “foreign agent” bill, approved by parliament, led to clashes in central Tbilisi, leaving several people injured.

The EU and the US have expressed concerns over the bill, warning that it could harm Georgia’s aspirations of joining the EU and threatening free speech. The bill, aimed at increasing transparency of foreign funding, has sparked fears among protesters that it could be used to silence dissenting voices ahead of upcoming elections.

Opponents argue that the measures mirror authoritarian legislation used by Russia to suppress dissent. The billionaire founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party, Bidzina Ivanishvili, claimed that Western forces were using Georgia in their confrontation with Russia.

Despite the growing opposition, the bill passed its second reading in parliament, with plans to be enacted by the end of the month. NGOs and independent media receiving more than 20% of their funding from foreign donors would be required to register as organizations influenced by foreign powers.

Protests have been ongoing since mid-April, with demonstrators fearing that the bill could derail Georgia’s path towards EU membership. The government, however, maintains that the law is about transparency and denies allegations of Russian involvement. President Zourabichvili has called for an end to the use of excessive force against protesters, as tensions continue to escalate in the country.