Police in Georgia’s capital have clashed with demonstrators following the passage of a highly contentious law by the country’s Parliament. The bill, which critics have dubbed “the Russian law,” bears striking similarities to legislation used by Moscow to suppress independent media and organisations critical of the Kremlin.
The legislation requires media outlets and noncommercial organisations to register as “pursuing the interests of a foreign power” if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad. Supporters argue that the United States has a similar law—the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA)—but opponents view it as an attempt to mimic Russia’s crackdown on freedom of speech.
Tens of thousands of protesters have thronged the streets of Tbilisi, denouncing the bill. The demonstrations have continued daily, with mass rallies expressing outrage over the potential impact on media freedom and Georgia’s European Union membership bid.
Police used water cannons, tear gas, and pepper spray to disperse the crowds. Dozens of people were arrested, and tensions escalated both inside and outside Parliament. Lawmakers exchanged blows during a heated session, and police clashed with protesters.
The backdrop of this controversy is the complicated relationship between the two countries since the collapse of the Soviet Union. In 2008, they fought a short war, resulting in Georgia losing control of two Russia-friendly separatist regions. Despite improved relations, issues surrounding the regions’ status remain contentious.
Eighty-three out of Georgia’s 150 lawmakers approved the bill in its second reading, with 23 voting against it. A third and final vote is needed before the law can be signed. Georgian lawmaker Irakli Kobakhidze expects this final vote to occur in mid-May.
