Georgia Parliament Passes First Reading of Controversial ‘Russian Law’

Georgia’s parliament has ignited a firestorm of controversy by approving a foreign agent law in its first reading, sparking mass protests in the capital city of Tbilisi. The proposed legislation would mandate that media and non-commercial organizations register as being under foreign influence if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad.

Thousands of demonstrators gathered outside parliament for the third consecutive night to voice their opposition to the bill, with many denouncing it as “the Russian law” due to its similarities to legislation used by Russia to suppress independent media and dissenting organizations.

Critics of the bill argue that it would jeopardize Georgia’s aspirations of joining the European Union, with fears that it could align the country with authoritarian regimes like Russia, Kazakhstan, and Belarus. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell expressed deep concern over the development, warning that the legislation could impede Georgia’s progress towards EU integration.

Despite President Salome Zourabichvili’s pledge to veto the law if it passes in the final reading, the ruling party has the power to override her decision with enough votes. The bill closely resembles a previous proposal that was withdrawn last year following widespread public outcry.

Protests have escalated in Tbilisi, with police resorting to tear gas to disperse demonstrators. Opposition parliament member Aleksandre Ellisashvili condemned lawmakers supporting the bill as “traitors,” emphasizing the power of the people to resist what he called a “traitor government.” The future of the foreign agent law remains uncertain as Georgia grapples with the implications of its potential passage.