Georgia lawmakers clash over controversial bill resembling repressive Kremlin law, critics argue

Lawmakers in Georgia’s parliament engaged in a physical altercation on Monday during a heated debate over the controversial foreign agent bill, leading to chaos and protests outside the parliament building in Tbilisi.

The proposed legislation, put forward by the ruling Georgian Dream party, would require media and non-commercial organizations to register as being under foreign influence if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad. Critics of the bill have likened it to Russian laws used to target independent media and organizations critical of the government.

Video footage circulating online captured the moment when opposition lawmaker punched Mamuka Mdinaradze, the leader of the Georgian Dream lawmakers, in the face while he was speaking at the podium. This incident sparked a brawl among lawmakers from different parties, with scuffles and wrestling breaking out on the parliament floor.

Protesters gathered outside the parliament, chanting patriotic songs and accusing the government of bowing to pressure from Russia. They fear that passing the law would hinder Georgia’s aspirations to join the European Union, a goal that was recently advanced with the country being granted candidate status.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze met with American, British, and EU ambassadors to discuss the bill, highlighting the international concern over the proposed legislation. President Salome Zourabichvili has indicated that she would veto the law if it passes parliament, but her term is set to end soon, raising questions about the future of the legislation.

The escalating tensions and political turmoil in Georgia underscore the deep divisions within the country’s government and society over issues of foreign influence and media freedom.