Georgia’s Parliament Continues to Advance ‘Foreign Agent’ Bill Despite Protests

Georgia’s Parliament Faces Protests Over “Foreign Agents” Bill

Tbilisi (Reuters) – The speaker of Georgia’s parliament announced that lawmakers would be debating the first reading of a controversial bill on “foreign agents” on Tuesday, sparking a second day of protests from opponents who see the measure as Russian-inspired.

More than 5,000 people gathered outside parliament on Monday, clashing with riot police and water cannons to voice their opposition to a bill that critics argue could jeopardize Georgia’s aspirations of joining the European Union.

The proposed legislation would mandate that organizations receiving over 20% of their funding from abroad register as foreign agents of influence. Georgian critics have drawn parallels to similar laws in Russia used to suppress dissent.

Western countries, including the United States, Britain, and Germany, have urged Georgia not to pass the bill. The European Union, which granted Georgia candidate status in December, has condemned the draft law as incompatible with its values.

The ruling Georgian Dream party, accused of authoritarianism and pro-Russian tendencies, defends the bill as necessary for transparency and combating foreign-imposed values. The party plans to reintroduce the bill, which was shelved last year due to protests.

Protesters outside parliament expressed concerns about the potential impact on Georgia’s EU membership prospects. One protester, 32-year-old Luka Tsulaia, emphasized the importance of maintaining independence and aligning with EU laws.

The tense atmosphere outside parliament escalated when opposition MP Aleko Elisashvili was seen punching Mamuka Mdinaradze, a Georgian Dream faction leader, during a session. The ongoing protests underscore the deep divisions and concerns surrounding the controversial bill.

(Reporting by Felix Light; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)