Georgia rocked by clashes over ‘foreign agent’ bill
In Georgia, riot police have used tear gas and water cannons to disperse demonstrators protesting against a bill criticised by the opposition for its perceived threat to media freedoms. Outside the parliament in Tbilisi, protesters hurled eggs and bottles at police, prompting a forceful response. While the crowds eventually dispersed, clashes persisted late into Tuesday evening along Rustaveli Avenue, resulting in several injuries and arrests.
The controversial “foreign agent” bill, initially approved by MPs on April 17th, sparked outrage. Proposed by the ruling Georgian Dream party, the bill mandates non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and independent media receiving over 20% of their funding from foreign sources to register as entities “bearing the interests of a foreign power.” Additionally, these organisations would be subject to monitoring by Georgia’s justice ministry and could face substantial fines reaching up to 25,000 Georgian lari ($9,400; £7,500) if they fail to comply or disclose sensitive information.
The bill’s passage in the first reading triggered widespread street protests. During Tuesday’s clashes in Tbilisi, numerous protesters sustained injuries, according to media reports. Allegations of police brutality surfaced, with Georgia’s IPN news agency reporting that Levan Khabeishvili, chairman of the main opposition party United National Movement, was severely beaten and hospitalised. Eyewitnesses cited by Reuters claim to have seen some police officers physically assaulting demonstrators, while several protesters were reportedly taken into custody.