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

United States (US) Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday (May 23) that Washington was introducing new visa restrictions on Georgia over a "foreign agent" bill passed by the Georgian parliament earlier this month.

United States (US) Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday (May 23) that Washington was introducing new visa restrictions on Georgia over a "foreign agent" bill passed by the Georgian parliament earlier this month. In a statement, Secretary of State Blinken said that the visa restriction would "apply to individuals who are responsible for or complicit in undermining democracy in Georgia, as well as their family members." "This includes individuals responsible for suppressing civil society and freedom of peaceful assembly in Georgia through a campaign of violence or intimidation," he said, adding, that US support for Georgia was "longstanding and foundational to our bilateral relationship." Also read | Georgian president vetoes controversial law after weeks of protests Blinken also announced that he has launched a comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation between the US and Georgia. "It remains our hope that Georgia’s leaders will reconsider the draft law and take steps to move forward with their nation’s democratic and Euro-Atlantic aspirations," the secretary of state added. What is the foreign agent bill? The foreign agent bill requires NGOs and media outlets that receive more than 20 per cent of their funding from abroad to register as bodies "pursuing the interests of a foreign power." Georgian lawmakers passed the bill despite major protests. Critics have decried the bill as authoritarian and Russian-inspired. However, the ruling Georgian Dream party has said that the legislation is needed to ensure transparency in foreign funding of NGOs and protect the country's sovereignty. Also watch | Georgian president vetoes foreign agent law, says 'it stalls our pathway to EU membership' × On Thursday, Blinken said that the bill would "stifle the exercise of freedoms of association and expression, stigmatise organisations that serve the citizens of Georgia, and impede independent media organizations working to provide Georgians with access to high-quality information." US blackmailing Georgia over bill: Russia Also on Thursday, Russia hit out at the US over the foreign agent bill, saying the world was watching another fact of the cynical and inconsiderate American intervention into affairs of sovereign countries. "For now, Washington does not like a Georgian law on foreign influence transparency. And what will be next? What law would Washington not like? You know, they are just testing the waters," Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said, as reported by news agency Reuters. "If Tbilisi and Georgia, people of Georgia subject to this blackmailing now, they would just demonstrate that it is possible to do anything with them. It is a fact," she added. (With inputs from agencies)

US introduces new visa restrictions on Georgia over 'foreign agent' bill

Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili vetoed the draft "foreign influence" or so-called "Russian law" that provoked massive protests for weeks.

The law had also invited sharp criticism from Brussels as it warned that the particular measure would vandalise Tbilisi's European aspirations.

"Today I vetoed a Russian law. This law is Russian in its essence and spirit," she said in a televised statement, speaking about the bill that critics describe as resembling Russian legislation used to silence dissent.

"It contradicts our constitution and all European standards, therefore it represents an obstacle to our European path," she added.

Zourabichvili had previously stated that she would veto the bill after saying that she considered the law “unacceptable.”

However, her decision can be rescinded by a second vote in parliament, which Georgia's ruling party and its allies majorly control.

As per TASS reports, the president said that her veto was legally sound and that it would be handed over to parliament on Saturday (May 18).

"This law must be repealed," she said.

Mass protests erupted across the Georgian capital Tbilisi over the past month after the first reading of the draft law was passed in parliament.

The so-called ‘foreign agents’ law 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;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-georgia-to-pass-foreign-agents-bill-amid-protests-what-is-it-about-721338">Also read: Explained: Georgia adopts ‘foreign agents’ law amid protests. What is it about?</a>

<h2>Mass protests, student walkout</h2>

Since April, thousands of Georgians have staged near-nightly protests against the proposed legislation.&nbsp;

Earlier on Monday (May 13), hundreds of university students in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi walked out of classes and joined thousands of protesters opposing the bill.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/georgia-adopts-controversial-foreign-agents-law-amid-brawls-and-protests-721374">Also read: Georgia adopts controversial ‘foreign agents’ law amid brawls and protests</a>

Last week, several thousand protesters staged an all-night rally outside parliament but failed to prevent lawmakers from entering on Monday 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;

The government, however, has argued that the law is needed to promote transparency, combat “pseudo-liberal values” promoted by foreigners and preserve the country’s sovereignty.

(With inputs from agencies)

Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili vetoed the draft "foreign influence" or so-called "Russian law" that provoked massive protests for weeks. The law had also invited sharp criticism from Brussels as it warned that the particular measure would vandalise Tbilisi's European aspirations.

Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili vetoed the draft "foreign influence" or so-called "Russian law" that provoked massive protests for weeks. The law had also invited sharp criticism from Brussels as it warned that the particular measure would vandalise Tbilisi's European aspirations. "Today I vetoed a Russian law. This law is Russian in its essence and spirit," she said in a televised statement, speaking about the bill that critics describe as resembling Russian legislation used to silence dissent. "It contradicts our constitution and all European standards, therefore it represents an obstacle to our European path," she added. Zourabichvili had previously stated that she would veto the bill after saying that she considered the law “unacceptable.” However, her decision can be rescinded by a second vote in parliament, which Georgia's ruling party and its allies majorly control. As per TASS reports, the president said that her veto was legally sound and that it would be handed over to parliament on Saturday (May 18). "This law must be repealed," she said. Mass protests erupted across the Georgian capital Tbilisi over the past month after the first reading of the draft law was passed in parliament. The so-called ‘foreign agents’ law 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.” Also read: Explained: Georgia adopts ‘foreign agents’ law amid protests. What is it about? Mass protests, student walkout Since April, thousands of Georgians have staged near-nightly protests against the proposed legislation. Earlier on Monday (May 13), hundreds of university students in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi walked out of classes and joined thousands of protesters opposing the bill. Also read: Georgia adopts controversial ‘foreign agents’ law amid brawls and protests Last week, several thousand protesters staged an all-night rally outside parliament but failed to prevent lawmakers from entering on Monday 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. The government, however, has argued that the law is needed to promote transparency, combat “pseudo-liberal values” promoted by foreigners and preserve the country’s sovereignty. (With inputs from agencies)

Georgia’s ‘foreign agents’ bill: President vetoes controversial law after weeks of protests

Georgia police on Thursday (May 2) fired tear gas, water cannons and stun grenades to clear a large crowd of protesters opposing the second reading of a foreign agents bill.

Georgia&nbsp;Parliament on Wednesday (May 1) approved the second reading of a bill on "foreign agents" that has been criticised as Kremlin-inspired.

A law requiring foreign-funded NGOs to register as foreign agents has ignited a political firestorm in Georgia. Protests have swelled over the past month, culminating in a massive demonstration of tens of thousands that shut down central Tbilisi on Wednesday. This marks the largest anti-government rally in the country yet.

<img alt="Georgia protest" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="491606c7-3ce5-4888-994d-84c6b7368289" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/pic%20%284%29.png" />

Georgia's Health Ministry said 11 people, including six police officers, had received hospital treatment after Wednesday's altercations, as quoted by Georgian media.

Deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze, quoted by Georgian media, said protesters&nbsp;tried to push their way into the parliament using various objects and were attacking policemen.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/georgia-parliament-backs-foreign-agent-bill-second-reading-amid-protests-717149" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/georgia-parliament-backs-foreign-agent-bill-second-reading-amid-protests-717149&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjAusqSpu6FAxWm8qACHTJXBJkQFnoECAEQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Vom-M8LExoVrZQyAdgE53&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/georgia-parliament-backs-foreign-agent-bill-second-reading-amid-protests-717149" target="_blank">Georgia&nbsp;parliament backs 'foreign agent' bill second reading amid</a>

Darakhvelidze said police action on Tuesday resulted in 63 arrests and six police officers being injured.

Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, who opposes the bill but has ceremonial powers, urged protesters in a social media video to remain calm. The real challenge, she noted, is to remove the government in the October election.

<img alt="Georgia protest" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3fcf25ab-5660-4866-8185-2dde23f48781" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/pic%20%285%29.png" />

"Our fate will not be determined by this law," she said in comments quoted by media. "This fight will take place in the forthcoming parliamentary election after which (this) law and many others will be rescinded."

Georgian critics have dubbed the bill "the Russian law", saying it is inspired by laws used to suppress dissent in Vladimir Putin's Russia. Moscow is unpopular among a large part of the&nbsp;Georgian population. The country lost a brief war with Moscow in 2008.

Meanwhile, protesters regrouped, with some lighting a bonfire outside the parliament, and others attempting to build makeshift barricades to block key roads.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/georgia-presses-on-with-controversial-foreign-agents-bill-puts-eu-bid-at-risk-712380" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/georgia-presses-on-with-controversial-foreign-agents-bill-puts-eu-bid-at-risk-712380&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjAusqSpu6FAxWm8qACHTJXBJkQFnoECAAQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw14NdaMszi_YCRnVqysK78P&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/georgia-presses-on-with-controversial-foreign-agents-bill-puts-eu-bid-at-risk-712380" target="_blank">Georgia&nbsp;presses on with controversial 'foreign agents' bill</a>

The Georgian Dream-led parliament and its allies approved the bill's advancement, drawing jeers from the protesters&nbsp;outside. The bill requires one more vote to become law.

Wednesday's parliamentary debate was tense, with opposition members expelled and scuffles between legislators, a common 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.

(With inputs from agencies)

Georgia police on Thursday (May 2) fired tear gas, water cannons and stun grenades to clear a large crowd of protesters opposing the second reading of a foreign agents bill.

Georgia police on Thursday (May 2) fired tear gas, water cannons and stun grenades to clear a large crowd of protesters opposing the second reading of a foreign agents bill. Georgia Parliament on Wednesday (May 1) approved the second reading of a bill on "foreign agents" that has been criticised as Kremlin-inspired. A law requiring foreign-funded NGOs to register as foreign agents has ignited a political firestorm in Georgia. Protests have swelled over the past month, culminating in a massive demonstration of tens of thousands that shut down central Tbilisi on Wednesday. This marks the largest anti-government rally in the country yet. Georgia's Health Ministry said 11 people, including six police officers, had received hospital treatment after Wednesday's altercations, as quoted by Georgian media. Deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze, quoted by Georgian media, said protesters tried to push their way into the parliament using various objects and were attacking policemen. Also read: Georgia parliament backs 'foreign agent' bill second reading amid Darakhvelidze said police action on Tuesday resulted in 63 arrests and six police officers being injured. Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, who opposes the bill but has ceremonial powers, urged protesters in a social media video to remain calm. The real challenge, she noted, is to remove the government in the October election. "Our fate will not be determined by this law," she said in comments quoted by media. "This fight will take place in the forthcoming parliamentary election after which (this) law and many others will be rescinded." Georgian critics have dubbed the bill "the Russian law", saying it is inspired by laws used to suppress dissent in Vladimir Putin's Russia. Moscow is unpopular among a large part of the Georgian population. The country lost a brief war with Moscow in 2008. Meanwhile, protesters regrouped, with some lighting a bonfire outside the parliament, and others attempting to build makeshift barricades to block key roads. Also read: Georgia presses on with controversial 'foreign agents' bill The Georgian Dream-led parliament and its allies approved the bill's advancement, drawing jeers from the protesters outside. The bill requires one more vote to become law. Wednesday's parliamentary debate was tense, with opposition members expelled and scuffles between legislators, a common 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. (With inputs from agencies)

Foreign agent bill protest: Billionaire ex-PM back in spotlight as Georgian standoff intensifies

Georgia's parliament on Wednesday approved the first reading of a bill on "foreign agents" that the European Union said risked stifling freedoms and blocking the country's path to membership.

The fate of the bill is widely seen as a test of whether Georgia, 33 years after the collapse of the Soviet Union, intends to pursue a path of integration with the West or move closer towards Russia.

Eighty-three of 150 deputies voted in favour while opposition MPs boycotted the vote. The bill, which has provoked days of protests, must pass two more readings before becoming law.

WATCH |&nbsp;Protests rocks Georgia: What is Georgia's 'Foreign Agents' bill?

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It would require organisations receiving more than 20 per cent&nbsp;of their funding from abroad to register as agents of foreign influence, and has been compared by critics to a law that Russia has used extensively to crack down on dissent.

Soon after the vote, the EU said in a statement: "This is a very concerning development and the final adoption of this legislation would negatively impact Georgia's progress on its EU path. This law is not in line with EU core norms and values."

It said the proposed legislation "would limit the capacity of civil society and media organisations to operate freely, could limit freedom of expression and unfairly stigmatise organisations that deliver benefits to the citizens of Georgia".

The EU urged Georgia to "refrain from adopting legislation that can compromise Georgia's EU path". The United States and Britain have also urged Georgia not to pass the bill.

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Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, in comments quoted by Interpress news agency, said Western politicians had not produced a single valid argument against the bill, and their statements would not prompt the government to change its mind.

President Salome Zourabichvili, whose role is mostly ceremonial, said she would veto the law if it was passed. But parliament has the power to override her veto.

<h2>'RUSSIAN LAW'</h2>

Several hundred opponents of the bill gathered outside parliament on Wednesday. Riot police used pepper spray on Tuesday to clear the area of thousands of protesters who shouted slogans against what they call "the Russian law". Eleven people were arrested and one police officer was injured.

In a rowdy session of parliament, four opposition lawmakers were removed from the chamber amid shouts of "No to the Russian law" and "Traitors".

Russia is widely disliked in the South Caucasus country of 3.7 million people, which in 2008 lost a brief war with Moscow over the Moscow-backed breakaway territory of South Ossetia.

Russia said on Wednesday it had nothing to do with the law, which it defended as a "normal practice". Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it was being used by outside actors to stoke anti-Russian sentiment.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-hush-money-trial-case-first-7-jurors-selected-judge-warns-against-intimidation-of-jurors-712069">&nbsp;Trump's hush money trial case: First 7 jurors selected, judge warns against 'intimidation' of jurors</a>

The ruling Georgian Dream party, which has faced accusations of authoritarianism and excessive closeness to Russia, says the bill is necessary to promote transparency and combat "pseudo-liberal values" imposed by foreigners.

The bill, which was initially introduced in March 2023 but shelved after two nights of violent protests, has increased divisions in a deeply polarised Georgia.

A coalition of opposition groups, civil society, celebrities and the president have rallied against the ruling party to oppose it.

On Wednesday, the captain of Georgia's national soccer team, which is riding high after qualifying for Euro 2024, its first major tournament, posted a picture on Instagram of two protesters staring down riot police, adding the message "Fuck Russia".

Georgia's parliament on Wednesday approved the first reading of a bill on "foreign agents" that the European Union said risked stifling freedoms and blocking the country's path to membership.

Georgia's parliament on Wednesday approved the first reading of a bill on "foreign agents" that the European Union said risked stifling freedoms and blocking the country's path to membership. The fate of the bill is widely seen as a test of whether Georgia, 33 years after the collapse of the Soviet Union, intends to pursue a path of integration with the West or move closer towards Russia. Eighty-three of 150 deputies voted in favour while opposition MPs boycotted the vote. The bill, which has provoked days of protests, must pass two more readings before becoming law. WATCH | Protests rocks Georgia: What is Georgia's 'Foreign Agents' bill? It would require organisations receiving more than 20 per cent of their funding from abroad to register as agents of foreign influence, and has been compared by critics to a law that Russia has used extensively to crack down on dissent. Soon after the vote, the EU said in a statement: "This is a very concerning development and the final adoption of this legislation would negatively impact Georgia's progress on its EU path. This law is not in line with EU core norms and values." It said the proposed legislation "would limit the capacity of civil society and media organisations to operate freely, could limit freedom of expression and unfairly stigmatise organisations that deliver benefits to the citizens of Georgia". The EU urged Georgia to "refrain from adopting legislation that can compromise Georgia's EU path". The United States and Britain have also urged Georgia not to pass the bill. Also Read | US plans new sanctions against Iran, hopes allies will follow in its footsteps Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, in comments quoted by Interpress news agency, said Western politicians had not produced a single valid argument against the bill, and their statements would not prompt the government to change its mind. President Salome Zourabichvili, whose role is mostly ceremonial, said she would veto the law if it was passed. But parliament has the power to override her veto. 'RUSSIAN LAW' Several hundred opponents of the bill gathered outside parliament on Wednesday. Riot police used pepper spray on Tuesday to clear the area of thousands of protesters who shouted slogans against what they call "the Russian law". Eleven people were arrested and one police officer was injured. In a rowdy session of parliament, four opposition lawmakers were removed from the chamber amid shouts of "No to the Russian law" and "Traitors". Russia is widely disliked in the South Caucasus country of 3.7 million people, which in 2008 lost a brief war with Moscow over the Moscow-backed breakaway territory of South Ossetia. Russia said on Wednesday it had nothing to do with the law, which it defended as a "normal practice". Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it was being used by outside actors to stoke anti-Russian sentiment. Also Read | Trump's hush money trial case: First 7 jurors selected, judge warns against 'intimidation' of jurors The ruling Georgian Dream party, which has faced accusations of authoritarianism and excessive closeness to Russia, says the bill is necessary to promote transparency and combat "pseudo-liberal values" imposed by foreigners. The bill, which was initially introduced in March 2023 but shelved after two nights of violent protests, has increased divisions in a deeply polarised Georgia. A coalition of opposition groups, civil society, celebrities and the president have rallied against the ruling party to oppose it. On Wednesday, the captain of Georgia's national soccer team, which is riding high after qualifying for Euro 2024, its first major tournament, posted a picture on Instagram of two protesters staring down riot police, adding the message "Fuck Russia".

Georgia presses on with controversial ‘foreign agents’ bill, putting its EU bid at risk

Georgia has decided to drop the bill on "foreign agents" following heavy protests and demonstrations against it for two nights. Opponents of the bill said that it was inspired by Russia's authoritarian shift and put in jeopardy hopes of the country joining the European Union.

The Georgian Dream ruling party in a statement said it will "unconditionally withdraw the bill we supported without any reservations". The party said the decision to withdraw the bill was based on the need to reduce "confrontation" in society. However, it categorically denounced "lies" told about the bill by the "radical opposition".

Meanwhile, the opposition parties said that they will continue to protest against the bill.&nbsp;Giga Lemonjala, a representative of the Droa party, said until the government formally denounces the "foreign agents" bill&nbsp;and releases&nbsp;all those detained, the protests against the bill will continue.

The European Union's delegation to&nbsp;Georgia&nbsp;praised the decision to pull back the bill.&nbsp;"We welcome announcement by the ruling party to withdraw draft legislation on 'foreign influence'," it wrote on Twitter.

We encourage all political leaders in&nbsp;Georgia&nbsp;to resume pro-EU reforms, in an inclusive &amp; constructive way".

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The "foreign agents" bill would have required Georgian organisations that received more than 20 per cent of their funding from abroad to register as "foreign agents" or face fines. Georgian Dream had previously said the law was necessary to unmask critics of the Georgian Orthodox Church, one of the country's most powerful institutions.

Massive protests around the Georgian parliament

The draft law got&nbsp;initial approval on Tuesday, after which&nbsp;tens of thousands of protesters&nbsp;gathered outside the parliament and also the next day. They hurled petrol bombs, stones and plastic bottles at police.&nbsp;

A window of the parliament building was also broken and a police car was overturned. At least 77 people were arrested after the police used tear gas, stun grenades and water cannon to disperse the crowds.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Georgia has decided to drop the bill on "foreign agents" following heavy protests and demonstrations against it for two nights. Opponents of the bill said that it was inspired by Russia's authoritarian shift and put in jeopardy hopes of the country joining the European Union.

Georgia has decided to drop the bill on "foreign agents" following heavy protests and demonstrations against it for two nights. Opponents of the bill said that it was inspired by Russia's authoritarian shift and put in jeopardy hopes of the country joining the European Union. The Georgian Dream ruling party in a statement said it will "unconditionally withdraw the bill we supported without any reservations". The party said the decision to withdraw the bill was based on the need to reduce "confrontation" in society. However, it categorically denounced "lies" told about the bill by the "radical opposition". Meanwhile, the opposition parties said that they will continue to protest against the bill. Giga Lemonjala, a representative of the Droa party, said until the government formally denounces the "foreign agents" bill and releases all those detained, the protests against the bill will continue. The European Union's delegation to Georgia praised the decision to pull back the bill. "We welcome announcement by the ruling party to withdraw draft legislation on 'foreign influence'," it wrote on Twitter. We encourage all political leaders in Georgia to resume pro-EU reforms, in an inclusive & constructive way". × The "foreign agents" bill would have required Georgian organisations that received more than 20 per cent of their funding from abroad to register as "foreign agents" or face fines. Georgian Dream had previously said the law was necessary to unmask critics of the Georgian Orthodox Church, one of the country's most powerful institutions. Massive protests around the Georgian parliament The draft law got initial approval on Tuesday, after which tens of thousands of protesters gathered outside the parliament and also the next day. They hurled petrol bombs, stones and plastic bottles at police. A window of the parliament building was also broken and a police car was overturned. At least 77 people were arrested after the police used tear gas, stun grenades and water cannon to disperse the crowds. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Massive protests force Georgia to drop the 'foreign agents' bill