Georgia: Clash Over "Foreign Agents" Bill
In Tbilisi, Georgia, clashes erupted between police and protesters demonstrating against the controversial "Foreign Agents" bill outside the Parliament building.
The rally, drawing thousands of participants, was one of two major protests held in the heart of the capital city. Protesters at the other gathering vehemently demanded that Parliament reject the "On Transparency of Foreign Influence" bill. The opposition alleges that the legislation is a replica of Russia's "foreign agents" law.
News of the ruling Georgian Dream party planning a counter-protest in support of the bill prompted opposition parties and NGOs to organise their own rally. According to media reports, the Georgian Dream party is mobilising supporters from the regions to bolster their numbers.
The area in front of the Parliament building thronged with protesters waving Georgian and EU flags. The central boulevard was shut down due to the large crowd. The Georgian and EU anthems resonated through the throng as protesters rallied against the bill. Security measures were heightened around the Parliament building itself, which was cordoned off. Police were deployed in anticipation of further clashes. A stage was also set up for the pro-bill rally organised by the Georgian Dream party, scheduled for later today.
According to the BBC, former European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Minister Aleksi Petriashvili was detained during the anti-government demonstration.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
