Status: 08.03.2023 05:31
Thousands of people have demonstrated in Georgia against a proposed law against “foreign agents” that is strongly reminiscent of a draft from Moscow. Georgia actually wants to join the EU and NATO.
Thousands of people have demonstrated in Georgia against a proposed law against “foreign agents” which they believe is intended to intimidate the media and non-governmental organizations.
Demonstrators gathered in front of the parliament in Tbilisi after the first reading of the controversial law was approved, according to images released by the independent television station Pireli TV. Police used tear gas and water cannons against the crowd.
According to Pireli TV, the protests had previously been largely peaceful. At least one participant threw a Molotov cocktail at police officers.
Media law based on Russian variant
The new law stipulates that organizations that are financed more than 20 percent with funds from abroad must register as so-called foreign agents. Otherwise they face penalties.
The bill is reminiscent of a law passed in Russia in 2012. The Kremlin has used this extensively to repress media and organizations critical of the government or other critics.
Georgia’s President condemns the law
Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili supported the demonstrators in Tbilisi. “Today you represent a free Georgia that sees its future in Europe and will not let anyone rob that future,” she said during a state visit to New York.
The President called for the bill to be abandoned and announced her veto against the text. However, since the ruling party, the Georgian Dream, has an absolute majority in parliament, it can lift this veto.
Georgia wants to join the EU and NATO
The small former Soviet republic of Georgia is actually aiming to join the EU and NATO. Recently, however, several government measures have fueled fears that the country could turn to Russia.
The US Embassy in Georgia, following the passage of the first reading of the “foreign agents” law, said it was “a gloomy day for Georgian democracy”. If the government in Tbilisi sticks to the plan, it will damage relations “with its strategic partners”.
A few days after the Russian attack on Ukraine, Georgia, along with Ukraine and Moldova, applied for membership of the European Union. In June, EU leaders granted Kiev and Chisinau official candidate status but said Tbilisi had to implement a series of reforms first.
Plans to join NATO and the EU are enshrined in the Georgian constitution. According to opinion polls, they are supported by at least 80 percent of the population.