Protests in Georgia against controversial foreign influence law draw thousands

Thousands of protesters in Georgia have flooded the streets of Tbilisi once again, this time to voice their opposition to a controversial foreign influence transparency law. The proposed legislation 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 law have likened it to similar legislation in Russia, where the government uses such laws to target media and organizations that are critical of the Kremlin. Many protesters fear that the law would undermine democracy in Georgia and jeopardize the country’s chances of joining the European Union.

Despite the widespread public outcry, the ruling Georgian Dream party is determined to push the law through. The party can override any potential veto from President Salome Zourabichvili by collecting 76 votes in parliament.

In response to the protests, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell expressed concern over the potential impact of the law on Georgia’s progress towards EU membership. He warned that the adoption of the legislation could have negative consequences for the country’s European aspirations.

As tensions continue to rise, both supporters and opponents of the law are gearing up for further protests in Tbilisi. The outcome of this legislative battle will not only shape the future of Georgia’s democracy but also its relationship with the European Union.