The Georgian parliament has approved a contentious law, dubbed the “foreign agents bill” or simply the “Russian bill,” aimed at ‘enhancing transparency’ on foreign influences, despite widespread opposition.
The passage of the bill sparked immediate protests, with opponents having gathered outside the parliament building in Tbilisi since Tuesday morning. Police cordons were deployed to block access to the building, while special forces were stationed in the inner courtyard.
During the debate, about 1,000 protesters picketed the fortress-like parliament building, with water cannon idling nearby. On hearing the bill had passed, they shouted “Slaves!” and “Russians!”
Expressing their discontent, one protester declared to AFP, “We will demonstrate until the Russian government leaves our country.”
The protests, which have been ongoing for weeks, typically reach their peak in the evening with tens of thousands turning out to voice their opposition to the legislation. The public protests have been among the biggest since Georgia regained independence from Moscow more than 30 years ago.
Joining the outcry, students from 50 Georgian universities announced plans to stage demonstrations against the newly passed law.
The Georgian legislation closely mirrors Russia’s original law on foreign agents. It mandates that entities and media outlets receiving over 20% of their funding from abroad must undergo compulsory registration and reporting. Additionally, they will be included in a specialized register of foreign agents, subject to inspections by the Ministry of Justice under any pretext.
The ruling Georgian Dream party initiated work on the law last year, but faced significant opposition that led to the shelving of the proposal. However, this time, protests failed to yield similar results.
The U.S. and the European Union have expressed apprehension over the law, urging Georgian authorities to reconsider its implementation. They emphasized that the legislation runs counter to Georgia’s aspirations for European integration and the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
Prior to the bill being passed, James O’Brien, assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian Affairs, told a news briefing during a visit to Tbilisi that Washington may consider sanctions against Georgia if the law reached the statute book.
In response to O’Brien’s comments, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze was reported by the BBC as saying: “Pragmatically speaking, sanctions would only harm those who are imposing them. We do not want the U.S. reputation to get spoiled and we call on our partners to think about partnerships.”
Kobakhidze also suggested the law may be amended following an expected presidential veto. President Salome Zurabishvili has indicated her intention to block the legislation, although the ruling party has a sufficient parliamentary majority to overturn her veto. Should the bill be returned to parliament, there will be a two-week window, from May 14 to 28, for deliberation and adoption of potential amendments.
During the debate, about 1,000 protesters picketed the fortress-like parliament building, with water cannon idling nearby. On hearing the bill had passed, they shouted “Slaves!” and “Russians!”
Expressing their discontent, one protester declared to AFP, “We will demonstrate until the Russian government leaves our country.”
The protests, which have been ongoing for weeks, typically reach their peak in the evening with tens of thousands turning out to voice their opposition to the legislation. The public protests have been among the biggest since Georgia regained independence from Moscow more than 30 years ago.
Joining the outcry, students from 50 Georgian universities announced plans to stage demonstrations against the newly passed law.
The Georgian legislation closely mirrors Russia’s original law on foreign agents. It mandates that entities and media outlets receiving over 20% of their funding from abroad must undergo compulsory registration and reporting. Additionally, they will be included in a specialized register of foreign agents, subject to inspections by the Ministry of Justice under any pretext.
The ruling Georgian Dream party initiated work on the law last year, but faced significant opposition that led to the shelving of the proposal. However, this time, protests failed to yield similar results.
The U.S. and the European Union have expressed apprehension over the law, urging Georgian authorities to reconsider its implementation. They emphasized that the legislation runs counter to Georgia’s aspirations for European integration and the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
Prior to the bill being passed, James O’Brien, assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian Affairs, told a news briefing during a visit to Tbilisi that Washington may consider sanctions against Georgia if the law reached the statute book.
In response to O’Brien’s comments, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze was reported by the BBC as saying: “Pragmatically speaking, sanctions would only harm those who are imposing them. We do not want the U.S. reputation to get spoiled and we call on our partners to think about partnerships.”
Kobakhidze also suggested the law may be amended following an expected presidential veto. President Salome Zurabishvili has indicated her intention to block the legislation, although the ruling party has a sufficient parliamentary majority to overturn her veto. Should the bill be returned to parliament, there will be a two-week window, from May 14 to 28, for deliberation and adoption of potential amendments.
Source: Reuters, TVP World, PAP, BBC
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