Protests have erupted in the streets of Tbilisi as Georgia’s parliament is set to approve a highly contentious “foreign agent” law that critics fear could stifle dissent and erode democratic freedoms in the country. The bill, dubbed the “Russia law” by opponents, would require NGOs and independent media organizations that receive more than 20% of their funding from foreign sources to register as entities serving the interests of a foreign power. They would be subject to monitoring by the Justice Ministry and could face steep fines if they fail to comply with the new regulations. This move has led to widespread condemnation and sparked fears that it could be used as a tool to suppress opposition voices and infringe on the rights of civil society groups. The protests, which have been ongoing for weeks, highlight the deepening divide between the government and its citizens, with many expressing concerns that Georgia’s aspirations to join the European Union could be derailed by the passing of this bill. The situation has escalated to the point where Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has issued veiled warnings about the consequences of not approving the legislation, drawing parallels to Ukraine’s fate and insinuating that Georgia’s sovereignty could be at stake. As tensions continue to rise and clashes erupt between protesters and law enforcement, the future of Georgia’s democracy hangs in the balance, with the potential for a significant impact on the country’s political landscape and relations with foreign powers.
The potential impact of Georgia’s controversial “foreign agent” law and why it is causing mass protests
