Thousands of people gathered in Georgia on Thursday to protest against the controversial “foreign influence” bill. The demonstrations took place at two different locations: in front of Parliament, a traditional site for protests, and at Heroes Square, where a monument to fallen Georgian soldiers stands. These protests have been ongoing since April 9 when the government introduced the legislative project.
Critics argue that the bill is influenced by the Russian law on “foreign agents,” which is used to suppress dissent. The ruling party, Georgian Dream, initially attempted to pass the bill in early 2023 but faced opposition and protests. However, in April they reintroduced the project and it was approved in a second reading by 83 votes in favor and 23 against. The government aims to enact the bill around mid-May.
During Thursday’s protests, demonstrators blocked the road to the square, chanting slogans against Russia and displaying banners with the faces of Georgian Dream deputies whom they labeled as “traitors.” Several protesters were arrested by police and pepper spray was used.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Trk, urged Georgian authorities to withdraw the bill and engage in dialogue with civil society and the media. Trk expressed concern over how the legislation could impact freedom of expression and association. He also criticized the use of force against protesters and media professionals in Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital city. John Kirby from America’s National Security Council also voiced concern about how the bill could limit freedom of expression and dissent.
The European Union criticized
