Demonstrations in Georgia's capital, Tbilisi, have continued for the 11th day, with thousands gathering to express their anger at the government's decision to hold European Union accession talks. Protesters, waving EU flags and chanting pro-European slogans hit the streets outside the Georgian Parliament. Watch for more details!

Georgia Protests: Thousands Protest Georgia's Decision To Halt EU Accession Talks

Georgia’s parliament once again adopted&nbsp;the highly controversial “foreign agents” bill, on Tuesday (May 28) despite weeks of, often violent, protests with many criticising it for being similar to Russia’s repressive legislation.&nbsp;

The legislation was first adopted on May 14 but was vetoed by the country's president.

<h2>What is the legislation about?</h2>

The so-called “foreign agents” law now requires organisations, including media outlets, nonprofits and other non-governmental organisations receiving more than 20 per cent of their funding from abroad to register as bodies “pursuing the interests of a foreign power.”&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Georgia foreign agents bill protests: PM Irakli Kobakhidze vows to pass bill

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The legislation pitched by the ruling Georgian Dream party also threatens the country’s bid to join the European Union. Meanwhile, the party has argued that the legislation is needed to enhance the transparency of NGO funding and protect the country from interference by the West.&nbsp;

The former PM and the ruling party’s founder Bidzina Ivanishvili had spoken about how interference from Western powers could drag Georgia into a war with Russia, in which Georgians are used as cannon fodder.

A report by AFP has said the billionaire founder of the party, Ivanishvili, has made his fortune in Russia and also accused NGOs of plotting a revolution and being foreign puppets.

<h2>Presidential veto overridden</h2>

In an interview with CNN, earlier this month,&nbsp;Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili called the legislation “an exact duplicate” of its Russian counterpart and&nbsp;vowed to veto the bill.&nbsp;

However, it did not make a difference since Georgia’s government is a parliamentary system,&nbsp;where the president is a nominal head. Additionally,&nbsp;since&nbsp;the parliament&nbsp;is controlled by the ruling party they were able to&nbsp;override her veto.&nbsp;

Lawmakers voted 84 to four to pass the bill after rejecting&nbsp;the presidential veto, on Tuesday (May 28).&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/georgia-parliament-backs-foreign-agent-bill-second-reading-amid-protests-717149">Georgia parliament backs ‘foreign agent’ bill second reading amid protests</a>

It is also worth noting that despite the ruling party’s anti-Western rhetoric, they want the country to join the 27-nation bloc as well as NATO. A report by Reuters citing a poll also said that Georgia’s 3.7 million people back EU accession.&nbsp;

Over the years, Russia, which occupies about 20 per cent of Georgia’s internationally recognised territory, has used similar legislation to crack down on NGOs and independent news media who are critical of the Kremlin.&nbsp;

The ruling Georgian Dream party re-introduced the bill in a shocking move last month, a year after shelving it due to a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anti-government-protesters-fill-the-streets-of-georgian-capital-tbilisi-again-580799">huge backlash</a>.

In an interview with news agency AFP, earlier this month,&nbsp;Georgian Dream MP Nikoloz Samkharadze criticised the outrage over the bill and said it has “nothing to do with the Russian” version.&nbsp;

However, the EU and international rights groups disagree. Several groups have decried the law as undemocratic, while the 27-nation bloc has indicated it is not compatible with membership of the EU.&nbsp;

<h2>Mass protests, student walkout on May 13-14</h2>

Since April, thousands of Georgians have staged near-nightly protests against the proposed bill. On May 13, hundreds of university students in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi walked out of classes and joined thousands of protesters opposing the bill.&nbsp;

Riot police in the country armed with water cannons and teargas have been accused of beating protesters who picketed outside Georgia’s parliament, on Monday (May 13) morning to try and stop a final vote.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On May 12, several thousand protesters staged an all-night rally outside parliament but failed to prevent lawmakers from entering the parliament after the MPs managed to access the building from the back and pushed the bill through a parliamentary legal committee in less than two minutes.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-protesters-rally-against-foreign-agent-bill-in-georgia-570056">Thousands of protesters rally against 'foreign agent' bill in Georgia</a>

The critics of the bill and many protesters, as per AFP, said that they see the bill as a symbol of their government’s wider drift towards Russia.&nbsp;

Georgia’s Interior Ministry said that at least 20 people, including two American citizens and one Russian national, were detained during the rallies, earlier this month.&nbsp;

The country’s Special Investigation Service, which investigates allegations of police brutality said they&nbsp;have opened a case into claims of use of excessive force by police personnel&nbsp;during the protests on May 13 and 14.&nbsp;

<h2>Criticism at home and abroad</h2>

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, on May 13 vowed to&nbsp;pass the bill claiming that the law enjoyed wide support in the country.&nbsp;

However, mass protests continued on Tuesday (May 28) exactly two weeks after the bill was first adopted. The crowd gathered outside the parliament&nbsp;was shouting&nbsp;“Russian slaves!” during the vote.&nbsp;

Leader of the opposition United National Movement (UNM) party, Tina Bokuchava,&nbsp;called on the opposition parties to rally together to rescind the legislation before the elections after the presidential veto was overturned.&nbsp;

Bokuchava also voiced her concerns about the upcoming elections saying&nbsp;that the law could be used by authorities to throw a shroud over the election process.

"Georgian Dream understands that it would lose power should the elections be free and fair, and Georgia's vibrant civil sector can act against electoral violations," said the UNM leader as quoted by AFP.&nbsp;

Parliamentary elections in the country are scheduled to be held on October 26.&nbsp;

Less than 10 days after the legislation was first passed,&nbsp;the United States announced travel sanctions against Georgian officials “who are responsible for or complicit in undermining democracy in Georgia.” The move has since been criticised by Tbilisi.&nbsp;

EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said that he “deeply regrets” the Georgian parliament’s adoption of the controversial legislation, on Tuesday (May 28)&nbsp;and warned that it would affect the country’s efforts to join the 27-nation bloc.&nbsp;

The US&nbsp;State Department spokesman Matthew Miller after the presidential veto was overridden called the bill "anti-democratic" and said&nbsp;that it "fails to conform to European norms." He added,&nbsp;"The United States condemns this action."&nbsp;

After the legislation was adopted, ministers from European nations and the three Baltic countries, in separate statements, also&nbsp;criticised the decision.

(With inputs from agencies)

Georgia’s parliament once again adopted the highly controversial “foreign agents” bill, on Tuesday (May 28) despite weeks of, often violent, protests with many criticising it for being similar to Russia’s repressive legislation.

Georgia’s parliament once again adopted the highly controversial “foreign agents” bill, on Tuesday (May 28) despite weeks of, often violent, protests with many criticising it for being similar to Russia’s repressive legislation. The legislation was first adopted on May 14 but was vetoed by the country's president. What is the legislation about? The so-called “foreign agents” law now requires organisations, including media outlets, nonprofits and other non-governmental organisations receiving more than 20 per cent of their funding from abroad to register as bodies “pursuing the interests of a foreign power.” WATCH | Georgia foreign agents bill protests: PM Irakli Kobakhidze vows to pass bill The legislation pitched by the ruling Georgian Dream party also threatens the country’s bid to join the European Union. Meanwhile, the party has argued that the legislation is needed to enhance the transparency of NGO funding and protect the country from interference by the West. The former PM and the ruling party’s founder Bidzina Ivanishvili had spoken about how interference from Western powers could drag Georgia into a war with Russia, in which Georgians are used as cannon fodder. A report by AFP has said the billionaire founder of the party, Ivanishvili, has made his fortune in Russia and also accused NGOs of plotting a revolution and being foreign puppets. Presidential veto overridden In an interview with CNN, earlier this month, Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili called the legislation “an exact duplicate” of its Russian counterpart and vowed to veto the bill. However, it did not make a difference since Georgia’s government is a parliamentary system, where the president is a nominal head. Additionally, since the parliament is controlled by the ruling party they were able to override her veto. Lawmakers voted 84 to four to pass the bill after rejecting the presidential veto, on Tuesday (May 28). Also Read | Georgia parliament backs ‘foreign agent’ bill second reading amid protests It is also worth noting that despite the ruling party’s anti-Western rhetoric, they want the country to join the 27-nation bloc as well as NATO. A report by Reuters citing a poll also said that Georgia’s 3.7 million people back EU accession. Over the years, Russia, which occupies about 20 per cent of Georgia’s internationally recognised territory, has used similar legislation to crack down on NGOs and independent news media who are critical of the Kremlin. The ruling Georgian Dream party re-introduced the bill in a shocking move last month, a year after shelving it due to a huge backlash. In an interview with news agency AFP, earlier this month, Georgian Dream MP Nikoloz Samkharadze criticised the outrage over the bill and said it has “nothing to do with the Russian” version. However, the EU and international rights groups disagree. Several groups have decried the law as undemocratic, while the 27-nation bloc has indicated it is not compatible with membership of the EU. Mass protests, student walkout on May 13-14 Since April, thousands of Georgians have staged near-nightly protests against the proposed bill. On May 13, hundreds of university students in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi walked out of classes and joined thousands of protesters opposing the bill. Riot police in the country armed with water cannons and teargas have been accused of beating protesters who picketed outside Georgia’s parliament, on Monday (May 13) morning to try and stop a final vote. On May 12, several thousand protesters staged an all-night rally outside parliament but failed to prevent lawmakers from entering the parliament after the MPs managed to access the building from the back and pushed the bill through a parliamentary legal committee in less than two minutes. Also Read | Thousands of protesters rally against 'foreign agent' bill in Georgia The critics of the bill and many protesters, as per AFP, said that they see the bill as a symbol of their government’s wider drift towards Russia. Georgia’s Interior Ministry said that at least 20 people, including two American citizens and one Russian national, were detained during the rallies, earlier this month. The country’s Special Investigation Service, which investigates allegations of police brutality said they have opened a case into claims of use of excessive force by police personnel during the protests on May 13 and 14. Criticism at home and abroad Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, on May 13 vowed to pass the bill claiming that the law enjoyed wide support in the country. However, mass protests continued on Tuesday (May 28) exactly two weeks after the bill was first adopted. The crowd gathered outside the parliament was shouting “Russian slaves!” during the vote. Leader of the opposition United National Movement (UNM) party, Tina Bokuchava, called on the opposition parties to rally together to rescind the legislation before the elections after the presidential veto was overturned. Bokuchava also voiced her concerns about the upcoming elections saying that the law could be used by authorities to throw a shroud over the election process. "Georgian Dream understands that it would lose power should the elections be free and fair, and Georgia's vibrant civil sector can act against electoral violations," said the UNM leader as quoted by AFP. Parliamentary elections in the country are scheduled to be held on October 26. Less than 10 days after the legislation was first passed, the United States announced travel sanctions against Georgian officials “who are responsible for or complicit in undermining democracy in Georgia.” The move has since been criticised by Tbilisi. EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said that he “deeply regrets” the Georgian parliament’s adoption of the controversial legislation, on Tuesday (May 28) and warned that it would affect the country’s efforts to join the 27-nation bloc. The US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller after the presidential veto was overridden called the bill "anti-democratic" and said that it "fails to conform to European norms." He added, "The United States condemns this action." After the legislation was adopted, ministers from European nations and the three Baltic countries, in separate statements, also criticised the decision. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained: Georgia adopts ‘foreign agents’ law after overriding presidential veto

A Georgian parliament committee, on Monday (May 27) rejected the president’s veto of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-georgia-to-pass-foreign-agents-bill-amid-protests-what-is-it-about-721338">highly controversial “foreign agents”</a> legislation, reported the Associated Press, which was passed by lawmakers over two weeks ago despite massive protests and international criticism.&nbsp;

<h2>Presidential veto rejected&nbsp;</h2>

The move by the parliament’s judiciary committee paves the way for the ruling Georgian Dream party and its allies to vote on a full legislature on Tuesday (May 28) to officially override President Salome Zourabichvili’s veto.&nbsp;

On May 14, Georgia’s parliament adopted the highly controversial “foreign agents” bill, despite weeks of, often violent, protests with many including the country’s president calling it similar to a Russian law used by Moscow to crack down on NGOs and independent news media who are critical of the Kremlin.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/georgia-president-says-vetoed-controversial-foreign-influence-law-722880">Georgia’s ‘foreign agents’ bill: President vetoes controversial law after weeks of protests</a>

The so-called “foreign agents” law now requires organisations, including media outlets, nonprofits and other NGOs receiving more than 20 per cent of their funding from abroad to register as bodies “pursuing the interests of a foreign power.”&nbsp;

Zourabichvili, who is among the critics of the bill, vetoed the legislation days after it was passed in parliament by lawmakers of the ruling party and its allies who have sufficient votes to override her veto in the chamber.&nbsp;

<h2>Georgia’s Independence Day marked by speeches, protests</h2>

The rejection of the veto by the Georgian parliament committee comes a day after the country celebrated its independence day with tension running high as Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and the president lashed out at each other over the legislation during the ceremony marking the occasion.&nbsp;

In her speech, Zourabichvili criticised the legislation which threatens the country’s bid to join the European Union.&nbsp;

“As the specter of Russia looms over us, partnership and rapprochement with Europe are the true path to preserving and strengthening our independence and peace,” said the president, on Sunday (May 26) at the ceremony celebrating the 106th anniversary of Tbilisi’s declaration of independence from Moscow.&nbsp;

She added, “Those who sabotage and undermine this path trample upon and damage the peaceful and secure future of our country, hindering the path towards becoming a full member of the free and democratic world.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-introduces-new-visa-restrictions-on-georgia-over-foreign-agent-bill-724757">US introduces new visa restrictions on Georgia over 'foreign agent' bill</a>

At the same ceremony, the PM praised the country’s development and criticised the president. “It was the unity and reasonable steps of the people and their elected government that gave us the opportunity to maintain peace in the country for the past two years despite existential threats and multiple betrayals, including the betrayal of the president of Georgia,” said Kobakhidze.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, thousands took to the streets of the Georgian capital city of Tbilisi in protest of the “foreign agents” legislation amid reports of clashes between demonstrators and the police.&nbsp;

A report by Reuters citing a poll also said that Georgia’s 3.7 million people back EU accession.&nbsp;However, the foreign arm of the 27-nation bloc said that the adoption of the law “negatively impacts Georgia’s progress on the EU path.”

Last week, the United States announced travel sanctions against Georgian officials “who are responsible for or complicit in undermining democracy in Georgia.” The move has since been criticised by Tbilisi.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

A Georgian parliament committee, on Monday (May 27) rejected the president’s veto of the highly controversial “foreign agents” legislation, reported the Associated Press, which was passed by lawmakers over two weeks ago despite massive protests and international criticism.

A Georgian parliament committee, on Monday (May 27) rejected the president’s veto of the highly controversial “foreign agents” legislation, reported the Associated Press, which was passed by lawmakers over two weeks ago despite massive protests and international criticism. Presidential veto rejected The move by the parliament’s judiciary committee paves the way for the ruling Georgian Dream party and its allies to vote on a full legislature on Tuesday (May 28) to officially override President Salome Zourabichvili’s veto. On May 14, Georgia’s parliament adopted the highly controversial “foreign agents” bill, despite weeks of, often violent, protests with many including the country’s president calling it similar to a Russian law used by Moscow to crack down on NGOs and independent news media who are critical of the Kremlin. Also Read | Georgia’s ‘foreign agents’ bill: President vetoes controversial law after weeks of protests The so-called “foreign agents” law now requires organisations, including media outlets, nonprofits and other NGOs receiving more than 20 per cent of their funding from abroad to register as bodies “pursuing the interests of a foreign power.” Zourabichvili, who is among the critics of the bill, vetoed the legislation days after it was passed in parliament by lawmakers of the ruling party and its allies who have sufficient votes to override her veto in the chamber. Georgia’s Independence Day marked by speeches, protests The rejection of the veto by the Georgian parliament committee comes a day after the country celebrated its independence day with tension running high as Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and the president lashed out at each other over the legislation during the ceremony marking the occasion. In her speech, Zourabichvili criticised the legislation which threatens the country’s bid to join the European Union. “As the specter of Russia looms over us, partnership and rapprochement with Europe are the true path to preserving and strengthening our independence and peace,” said the president, on Sunday (May 26) at the ceremony celebrating the 106th anniversary of Tbilisi’s declaration of independence from Moscow. She added, “Those who sabotage and undermine this path trample upon and damage the peaceful and secure future of our country, hindering the path towards becoming a full member of the free and democratic world.” Also Read | US introduces new visa restrictions on Georgia over 'foreign agent' bill At the same ceremony, the PM praised the country’s development and criticised the president. “It was the unity and reasonable steps of the people and their elected government that gave us the opportunity to maintain peace in the country for the past two years despite existential threats and multiple betrayals, including the betrayal of the president of Georgia,” said Kobakhidze. Meanwhile, thousands took to the streets of the Georgian capital city of Tbilisi in protest of the “foreign agents” legislation amid reports of clashes between demonstrators and the police. A report by Reuters citing a poll also said that Georgia’s 3.7 million people back EU accession. However, the foreign arm of the 27-nation bloc said that the adoption of the law “negatively impacts Georgia’s progress on the EU path.” Last week, the United States announced travel sanctions against Georgian officials “who are responsible for or complicit in undermining democracy in Georgia.” The move has since been criticised by Tbilisi. (With inputs from agencies)

Georgian parliament rejects presidential veto of ‘foreign agents’ legislation; PM, prez lash out at each other

Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili vetoed the draft "foreign influence" or so-called "Russian law" that provoked massive protests for weeks. Watch to know more.

Georgia’s ‘foreign agents’ bill: Controversial law sparks nationwide protests

Georgia’s ‘foreign agents’ bill: President vetoes divisive foreign agent law

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The Supreme Court of India&nbsp;on Tuesday (May 14)&nbsp;granted bail&nbsp;to Gautam Navlakha, an accused in the Bhima Koregaon violence case, observing that the trial is unlikely to end&nbsp;soon.

In the latest, Georgia's parliament passed the highly controversial 'foreign agents' bill, despite weeks of often violent protests. The bill has been criticised for its resemblance to Russia's repressive legislation used to stifle dissent.

In the latest, Georgia's parliament passed the highly controversial 'foreign agents' bill, despite weeks of often violent protests. The bill has been criticised for its resemblance to Russia's repressive legislation used to stifle dissent. In other news, US President Joe Biden is increasing tariffs on $18 billion worth of Chinese imports in several key industries deemed vital to US national security. Separately, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) acknowledged that an aide of Arvind Kejriwal had "misbehaved" with MP Swati Maliwal. Click on the headlines to read more. Georgia adopts controversial ‘foreign agents’ law amid brawls and protests Georgia’s parliament adopted the highly controversial ‘foreign agents’ bill, on Tuesday (May 14) despite weeks of, often violent, protests, which has been criticised for being similar to Russia’s repressive legislation used to silence dissent. China fumes as Biden administration ramps up tariffs on Chinese imports In an effort to impede Beijing's development of vital technology and give priority to US production, President Joe Biden is raising tariffs on Chinese imports in a few key industries that are considered critical to national security. Hush money trial: Trump’s fixer-turned-foe, Michael Cohen, returns to the witness stand The former United States President Donald Trump’s ex-lawyer turned foe Michael Cohen returned to the witness stand, on Tuesday (May 14) amid the ongoing historic criminal trial of the presumptive Republican presidential nominee. This comes a day after Cohen, a key witness, testified that the former president had personally authorised him to make hush money payment to a porn star weeks ahead of the 2016 presidential election. France prison van attack: Manhunt launched after 2 officers killed and inmate freed Two French prison officers were killed in an ambush on a prison van near Rouen, Normandy on Tuesday (May 14). According to French media, an inmate who was being transported in the van escaped with the attackers. US Senator Lindsey Graham suggests Israel should nuke Gaza In a baffling statement, United States Senator Lindsey Graham (Republican-South Carolina) compared the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza to the US’ decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan during World War II and told Israel to “do whatever” to finish the military operation it has launched in the blockaded enclave. Cambodia-India direct flights set to boost tourism, connectivity In a key development aimed at bolstering tourism and connectivity between India and Cambodia, direct flights are set to commence between the two countries starting June 16. This move, facilitated by Cambodia’s Angkor Air will help in enhancing travel opportunities for both Indian tourists visiting Cambodia and Cambodian visitors exploring India. AAP admits Kejriwal’s aide ‘misbehaved’ with MP Swati Maliwal in Delhi CM’s drawing room A day after former DCW chief Swati Maliwal reported an assault at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) acknowledged on Tuesday (May14) that an aide of the AAP leader had "misbehaved" with her. The party added that Kejriwal is aware of the incident and will take suitable action against the person involved. Patanjali misleading ads case: Top court urges Ramdev to wield influence responsibly; slams IMA chief The Supreme Court stated on Tuesday that yoga guru Ramdev has "a lot of influence" and should "use it in the right way" during a hearing on the misleading Patanjali advertisements case. Additionally, the court postponed making a decision in the contempt proceedings brought against Ramdev, the company, and his aide Acharya Balkrishna. Pakistan announces sweeping privatisation plan amid IMF loan negotiations In an effort to rejuvenate its faltering economy, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif unveiled plans on Tuesday (May 14), to privatise all state-owned enterprises (SOEs), with the exception of strategic ones. This initiative is intended to alleviate the financial strain on the nation, which is facing significant economic challenges. Bhima Koregaon case: India’s top court grants bail to Gautam Navlakha, says trial may ‘take years' The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday (May 14) granted bail to Gautam Navlakha, an accused in the Bhima Koregaon violence case, observing that the trial is unlikely to end soon.

Top 10 world news: Biden raises tariffs on Chinese imports; Georgia adopts 'foreign agents' law; and more

Despite thousands of protesters opposing the controversial bill on foreign agents, Georgia's Prime Minister has vowed to pass the legislation through Parliament today. Watch in for more details!

Georgia foreign agents bill protests: PM Irakli Kobakhidze vows to pass bill despite protests

It seems that the year of Elections has also brought with it a year of protests Mass rallies and demonstrations have become a common sight across the world and Georgia is no exception. At the epicenter of the marches is this transcontinental country it's a foreign agent Bill protesters and thousands took to the streets again this week as lawmakers resume debate on a foreign agents law.

Georgia: Police deploy tear gas as protests over 'Russian Law' continues

Georgia's parliament voted on Wednesday to approve the second reading of a bill on "foreign agents" that has been criticised as Kremlin-inspired, as thousands of protesters opposed to the draft demonstrated on the street outside.

The bill, which would require organisations receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as agents of foreign influence, has sparked a rolling political crisis in the South Caucasus country, with thousands of protesters taking to the street nightly for almost a month.

Georgian critics have dubbed the bill "the Russian law", claiming it is inspired by laws used to suppress dissent in Vladimir Putin's Russia. Russia is unpopular among many in&nbsp;Georgia, which lost a brief war with Moscow in 2008.

The protests have pitched the ruling&nbsp;Georgian Dream party against a coalition of opposition parties, civil society groups, celebrities and the country's figurehead president, all of whom oppose the bill.

Parliament, controlled by&nbsp;Georgian Dream and its allies, voted along party lines to advance the legislation, prompting a wave of boos from thousands of protesters outside. The bill must pass one more vote in parliament before becoming law.

Late on Tuesday, security forces launched a sudden crackdown on protesters outside parliament, using water cannon, tear gas and stun grenades. Sixty-three people were arrested and six police officers injured, Deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze said.

The European Union, which gave&nbsp;Georgia&nbsp;candidate member status in December but has said the bill could halt its integration into the bloc, denounced the crackdown as unwarranted.

Wednesday's parliamentary debate was tense, with opposition members expelled and scuffles between legislators, a not uncommon occurrence in&nbsp;Georgia's often-rowdy parliament.

One pro-government deputy was seen throwing a book at opposition legislators, while others shouted and physically confronted opponents.

Levan Khabeishvili, leader of the United National Movement party,&nbsp;Georgia's largest opposition bloc, spoke in parliament on Wednesday with his face heavily bandaged. His party said he was badly beaten by police at the protest, leaving him with concussion, broken facial bones, and missing four teeth.

Supporters of the bill, including Bidzina Ivanishvili, the billionaire founder of the ruling&nbsp; Georgian&nbsp;Dream party and former prime minister, say the foreign agent law would bolster national sovereignty amid what he said were Western attempts to lead&nbsp;Georgia&nbsp;into a confrontation with Russia.

Georgia's parliament voted on Wednesday to approve the second reading of a bill on "foreign agents" that has been criticised as Kremlin-inspired, as thousands of protesters opposed to the draft demonstrated on the street outside.

Georgia's parliament voted on Wednesday to approve the second reading of a bill on "foreign agents" that has been criticised as Kremlin-inspired, as thousands of protesters opposed to the draft demonstrated on the street outside. The bill, which would require organisations receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as agents of foreign influence, has sparked a rolling political crisis in the South Caucasus country, with thousands of protesters taking to the street nightly for almost a month. Georgian critics have dubbed the bill "the Russian law", claiming it is inspired by laws used to suppress dissent in Vladimir Putin's Russia. Russia is unpopular among many in Georgia, which lost a brief war with Moscow in 2008. The protests have pitched the ruling Georgian Dream party against a coalition of opposition parties, civil society groups, celebrities and the country's figurehead president, all of whom oppose the bill. Parliament, controlled by Georgian Dream and its allies, voted along party lines to advance the legislation, prompting a wave of boos from thousands of protesters outside. The bill must pass one more vote in parliament before becoming law. Late on Tuesday, security forces launched a sudden crackdown on protesters outside parliament, using water cannon, tear gas and stun grenades. Sixty-three people were arrested and six police officers injured, Deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze said. The European Union, which gave Georgia candidate member status in December but has said the bill could halt its integration into the bloc, denounced the crackdown as unwarranted. Wednesday's parliamentary debate was tense, with opposition members expelled and scuffles between legislators, a not uncommon occurrence in Georgia's often-rowdy parliament. One pro-government deputy was seen throwing a book at opposition legislators, while others shouted and physically confronted opponents. Levan Khabeishvili, leader of the United National Movement party, Georgia's largest opposition bloc, spoke in parliament on Wednesday with his face heavily bandaged. His party said he was badly beaten by police at the protest, leaving him with concussion, broken facial bones, and missing four teeth. Supporters of the bill, including Bidzina Ivanishvili, the billionaire founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party and former prime minister, say the foreign agent law would bolster national sovereignty amid what he said were Western attempts to lead Georgia into a confrontation with Russia.

Georgia parliament backs ‘foreign agent’ bill second reading amid protests

Georgia's ruling party has been forced to withdraw its controversial 'foreign agents' bill after people took to the streets in a protests against it in the capital. Watch this report to know further.

Georgia revokes controversial 'foreign agent' bill that sparked violent protests

The police in Georgia fired tear gas and water cannon at the thousands of protesters, forcing them to disperse, as they demonstrated on Wednesday against the planned "foreign agent" law which is similar to the Russian legislation which was used to silence critics.

Huge crowds of protesters gathered in front of Georgia's parliament building in Tbilisi, waving EU and Georgian flags, and chanting slogans like "no to the Russian law".

The protesters have been raising their demand that the bill on "transparency of foreign funding” be dropped by the authorities, which according to the critics is similar to the Russian law that forced the dissenting groups and media to shut down.

Protester Elene Ksovreli, aged 16, said that Georgians do not want their future to be threatened.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/water-cannon-tear-gas-protesters-police-clash-in-georgia-over-foreign-agents-law-569791">Water cannon, tear gas | Protesters, police clash in Georgia over 'foreign agents' law</a>

"We will not allow them to make Russia define our future. We, young people, are here to protect our everything,” she said.

Earlier on Wednesday, protesters marched down the main thoroughfare of Tbilisi, holding a banner which read "Women against total control", to mark International Women's Day.

US appeals govt to show “restraint”, Zelensky calls for Georgia's "democratic success"

"We want Europe! We want the West," said Tamuna Kirkhvadze, who is a 37-year-old economist. "We want a bright future for our children and us,” she added.

Responding to the escalating protests, Washington appealed to the Georgia government to show "restraint" and allow people to stage peaceful protests.

"We urge the government of Georgia to respect the freedom of peaceful assembly and peaceful protests," said State Department spokesman Ned Price, appealing for "restraint" on all sides.

WATCH | Thousands protest in Tbilisi against controversial Georgian 'foreign agents' law

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"We are standing with the people of Georgia and the aspirations that they have. The bill jeopardises Georgia's Euro-Atlantic future," he said.

"We are concerned that the passage of this type of legislation would have consequences for our ability to continue to be the strategic partner that we have sought to be for Georgia and the people of Georgia over the course of decades," Price said.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hoped for "democratic success" in "friendly Georgia".

"There is no Ukrainian who would not wish success to our friendly Georgia. Democratic success. European success," said Zelensky in his evening address to the nation.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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The police in Georgia fired tear gas and water cannon at the thousands of protesters, forcing them to disperse, as they demonstrated on Wednesday against the planned "foreign agent" law which is similar to the Russian legislation which was used to silence critics.

The police in Georgia fired tear gas and water cannon at the thousands of protesters, forcing them to disperse, as they demonstrated on Wednesday against the planned "foreign agent" law which is similar to the Russian legislation which was used to silence critics. Huge crowds of protesters gathered in front of Georgia's parliament building in Tbilisi, waving EU and Georgian flags, and chanting slogans like "no to the Russian law". The protesters have been raising their demand that the bill on "transparency of foreign funding” be dropped by the authorities, which according to the critics is similar to the Russian law that forced the dissenting groups and media to shut down. Protester Elene Ksovreli, aged 16, said that Georgians do not want their future to be threatened. ALSO READ | Water cannon, tear gas | Protesters, police clash in Georgia over 'foreign agents' law "We will not allow them to make Russia define our future. We, young people, are here to protect our everything,” she said. Earlier on Wednesday, protesters marched down the main thoroughfare of Tbilisi, holding a banner which read "Women against total control", to mark International Women's Day. US appeals govt to show “restraint”, Zelensky calls for Georgia's "democratic success" "We want Europe! We want the West," said Tamuna Kirkhvadze, who is a 37-year-old economist. "We want a bright future for our children and us,” she added. Responding to the escalating protests, Washington appealed to the Georgia government to show "restraint" and allow people to stage peaceful protests. "We urge the government of Georgia to respect the freedom of peaceful assembly and peaceful protests," said State Department spokesman Ned Price, appealing for "restraint" on all sides. WATCH | Thousands protest in Tbilisi against controversial Georgian 'foreign agents' law "We are standing with the people of Georgia and the aspirations that they have. The bill jeopardises Georgia's Euro-Atlantic future," he said. "We are concerned that the passage of this type of legislation would have consequences for our ability to continue to be the strategic partner that we have sought to be for Georgia and the people of Georgia over the course of decades," Price said. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hoped for "democratic success" in "friendly Georgia". "There is no Ukrainian who would not wish success to our friendly Georgia. Democratic success. European success," said Zelensky in his evening address to the nation. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Thousands of protesters rally against 'foreign agent' bill in Georgia