Georgians Protest Against 'Foreign Influence' Law
Thousands of Georgians gathered outside parliament in Tbilisi to protest a new 'foreign influence' law recently adopted despite a presidential veto. The bill mandates organizations receiving at least twenty percent of their funding from abroad to register as 'foreign agents,' a measure critics compare to repressive Russian laws. Western governments, including the United States, have condemned the law, claiming it risks stifling freedom of expression and jeopardizing Georgia's EU membership bid.
Thousands of Georgians gathered outside parliament in Tbilisi to protest a new 'foreign influence' law recently adopted despite a presidential veto.
The bill mandates organizations receiving at least twenty percent of their funding from abroad to register as 'foreign agents,' a measure critics compare to repressive Russian laws.
Western governments, including the United States, have condemned the law, claiming it risks stifling freedom of expression and jeopardizing Georgia's EU membership bid.
President Salome Zurabishvili, an opponent of the bill, urged unity in preparing for October elections.
The bill passed with 84 votes to 4, overcoming strong opposition with many MPs walking out in protest.
The EU expressed deep regret and is considering its response.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze dismissed potential sanctions, arguing the law promotes transparency.
Rights groups warn the law could escalate political tensions ahead of the elections.
The bill mandates organizations receiving at least twenty percent of their funding from abroad to register as 'foreign agents,' a measure critics compare to repressive Russian laws.
Western governments, including the United States, have condemned the law, claiming it risks stifling freedom of expression and jeopardizing Georgia's EU membership bid.
President Salome Zurabishvili, an opponent of the bill, urged unity in preparing for October elections.
The bill passed with 84 votes to 4, overcoming strong opposition with many MPs walking out in protest.
The EU expressed deep regret and is considering its response.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze dismissed potential sanctions, arguing the law promotes transparency.
Rights groups warn the law could escalate political tensions ahead of the elections.
Translation:
Translated by AI
