20,000 rally in Georgia as MPs advance controversial ‘foreign influence’ law

Approximately 20,000 protesters gathered in Georgia on Wednesday in response to the advancement of a controversial “foreign influence” law by lawmakers. Critics argue that this law will undermine Tbilisi’s longstanding European aspirations. Despite the opposition’s boycott, 83 lawmakers from the ruling Georgian Dream party passed the first reading of the bill, which has drawn comparisons to a repressive Russian law on “foreign agents” used to suppress dissent. This resulted in the bill passing in the 150-seat parliament.

In the evening, thousands of protesters blocked traffic in front of the parliament building in Tbilisi, where riot police were present. Demonstrators chanted “No to the Russian law!” following performances of the Georgian national anthem and the European Union’s Ode to Joy. Protesters demanded the withdrawal of the draft law within an hour and then marched to the prime minister’s office to request a meeting with the head of government. Similar protests were reported in other cities across Georgia.

Georgia, a former Soviet republic, has aimed to strengthen ties with the West, but the ruling party has faced accusations of leaning towards Russia. The passage of the draft law has raised concerns about democratic backsliding in the country. The European Union and the United States have expressed worries about the legislation, with EU officials stating that it goes against core EU values. If enacted, the bill would require NGOs and media organizations receiving over 20% of funding from abroad to register as “organizations pursuing the interests of a foreign power.”

Amnesty International has called on Georgia to halt its efforts to impose repressive legislation on civil society. A similar bill targeting “foreign agents” was abandoned last year due to mass protests. The ruling party reintroduced the draft law ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections. Despite potential obstacles, the ruling party holds a strong majority in parliament, giving it the ability to push the bill through subsequent readings and override a presidential veto without opposition support.