Georgia

2023 - 3 - 8

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Financial Times"

Violent clashes erupt in Georgia over Russia-modelled media law (Financial Times)

A draft law modelled on Russian president Vladimir Putin's restrictive regime for media and non-governmental organisations has aroused popular anger in ...

For cost savings, you can change your plan at any time online in the “Settings & Account” section. Compare Standard and Premium Digital For a full comparison of Standard and Premium Digital,

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Second day of protests in Georgia over 'foreign agents' law (The Guardian)

Demonstrations resume over 'Russian law' that critics say could harm efforts to become EU member state.

“We are standing with the people of Georgia and the aspirations that they have.” “You represent a free Georgia, a Georgia which sees its future in the west, and won’t let anyone take this future away,” she said in an address recorded in the US, where she is on an official visit. He accused the opposition of being “destructive and radical”. “Adoption of this ‘foreign influence’ law is not compatible with the EU path, which the majority in Georgia wants,” the European Council president, Charles Michel, said in a tweet on Wednesday. “Every day will be like that,” said the opposition leader Nika Melia. “The law is against its own people.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Reuters"

Georgian protesters rally in Tbilisi after violent clashes with police (Reuters)

Thousands of people staged a second straight day of protests in the Georgian capital Tbilisi on Wednesday, rallying against a "foreign agents" law which ...

Critics say Georgian Dream is too close to Russia and has taken the country in a more repressive direction. We want Georgia to be in the European Union, and I am sure it will be," he said in a video address. Critics, including President Salome Zourabichvili, say it is reminiscent of a law Russia has used to crack down on dissent and could harm Georgia's chances of European Union membership. "We want to be in the European Union, and we will be. Unlike clashes on Tuesday night, there were no signs of demonstrators throwing petrol bombs or stones, although at least one police car was overturned. Register for free to Reuters and know the full story

Post cover
Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Georgia protests: Crowds return to target Russian-style law in Georgia (BBC News)

Crowds return to Georgia's capital after riot police broke up a protest against a Russian-style law.

More than 80% of Georgia's population supports Georgia's European perspective, which is also enshrined in the country's constitution. It suggests they are acting in the interest of foreign forces rather than doing good for the country and society. The party has applied to the Council of Europe for its opinion. Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze said criticism of the draft law as similar to Russia's own repressive legislation was misleading. However, the government in Tbilisi has adopted a neutral stance, refusing to openly back Ukraine or impose sanctions on Russia. Ruling party Georgian Dream maintains the legislation dates back to US legislation in the 1930s.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Georgia protests: Crowds return to target Russian-style law in Georgia (BBC News)

Crowds return to Georgia's capital after riot police broke up a protest against a Russian-style law.

It suggests they are acting in the interest of foreign forces rather than doing good for the country and society. The party has applied to the Council of Europe for its opinion. "We are standing with the people of Georgia and the aspirations that they have." However, the government in Tbilisi has adopted a neutral stance, refusing to openly back Ukraine or impose sanctions on Russia. Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze said criticism of the draft law as similar to Russia's own repressive legislation was misleading. Ruling party Georgian Dream maintains the legislation dates back to US legislation in the 1930s.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "CNN"

Caught between the West and Russia, could Georgia be the next ... (CNN)

The country, which won its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, has long been playing a balancing act between its citizens' pro-European sentiment and ...

The law was initially passed in 2012 amid a wave of public protests over allegations of election-rigging and Vladimir Putin’s intentions to return to the Russian presidency. It would also hamper Georgia’s bid to join the European Union. Russia-aligned Belarus has had a citizenship law in place since 2002 that has a similar impact. All of them are alienating us from Europe,” Zourabichvili said in the clip on Tuesday. “They threaten to marginalize and discredit critical voices in the country. The bill must pass further readings to become law. Gogia said the legislation is similar to the law in Russia in that it is “trying to create a special status and legal regime for organizations and media that receive foreign funding and – under the disguise of transparency – interferes with freedom of associations and media and with their legitimate functions.” “I hope the Georgian authorities would heed to the warning and instead of passing the bills that would clearly impede the work of independent groups and media, they should ensure safe and enabling environment for civil society in the country.” For Gogia, the bills represent a clear threat to human rights in Georgia. “Under the disguise of transparency, the latest statements by the Georgian authorities strongly suggest that if adopted, the law will be weaponized to further stigmatize and penalize independent groups, media and critical voices in the country.” The second bill expands the scope of “agents of foreign influence” to include individuals and increases the penalties for failure to comply from fines to up to five years in prison. [erupted in Georgia](https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/07/europe/georgia-foreign-agents-bill-intl/index.html) this week after the country’s parliament passed the first reading of a draft law that would require some organizations receiving foreign funding to register as “foreign agents.”

Post cover
Image courtesy of "FRANCE 24"

Protesters clash with police in Georgia for second day over new ... (FRANCE 24)

Thousands of people staged a second straight day of protests in the Georgian capital Tbilisi on Wednesday, rallying outside parliament against a "foreign ...

Georgian Dream Chairman Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday said the law would help root out those working against the interests of the country and the powerful Georgian Orthodox Church. The U.S. She also pledged to veto the bill if it reached her desk, though parliament can override her. The ruling Georgian Dream party say it is modelled on U.S. The interior ministry said 77 people had been detained. legislation dating from the 1930s.

Explore the last week