Georgia faces turmoil as the controversial 'foreign agents' law sparks protests and defiance against EU warnings. Will the bill pass amidst mass dissent? Find out here!
Georgia finds itself in the midst of a political storm as the approval of a controversial 'foreign agents' law ignites mass protests and defiance against EU warnings. The bill, resembling Russia-style legislation, has been met with fierce criticism and concerns over its impact on civil society. Despite facing a likely veto by Georgia's president, the ruling Georgian Dream party pushes forward, risking further unrest in Tbilisi.
The passing of the 'foreign agents' bill in Georgia has led to heated confrontations between protesters and riot police, with tear gas filling the air and MPs brawling in parliament. The European Commission warns that the adoption of the bill poses a significant obstacle to Georgia's aspirations to join the EU, raising questions about the country's alignment with European values.
As tensions escalate, OSCE Chair-in-Office Ian Borg plans a visit to Georgia to meet key political figures, including President Salome Zourabichvili and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. The rapid developments highlight the international scrutiny and divisions within Georgia over the controversial legislation, symbolizing a pivotal moment in the country's political landscape.
Despite the passage of the 'foreign agents' bill, protests continue in Tbilisi, with demonstrators treated by medics after clashes with riot police. The persistence of dissent underscores the deep-seated opposition to the legislation, drawing parallels to Kremlin-inspired repression tactics. The future implications of the law remain uncertain, with Georgia embroiled in a complex struggle between upholding international obligations and navigating domestic political pressures.
However, the bill now faces a likely veto by Georgia's president, which parliament can override by holding an additional vote. Critics say the bill - which they ...
Brussels warns new curbs on civil society flout “European values” as protests grow in Tbilisi.
Ruling Georgian Dream party presses ahead with bill despite months of protests and warnings from Brussels.
Vote to adopt bill a 'serious obstacle' to Georgia's bid to join EU, European Commission warns.
There are concerns the bill, which has triggered long-running mass protests in Georgia, is modelled on laws used by Russia's President Putin.
The bill requires organisations receiving more than 20 percent of their funding from abroad to register as foreign agents.
The Georgian parliament on Tuesday approved in the third and final reading a divisive bill that sparked weeks of mass protests, with critics seeing it as a ...
Protesters in Tbilisi treated by medics after bill condemned as Kremlin-inspired act of repression was passed into law.
During his visit, Minister Borg will meet with President Salome Zourabichvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Chairman of the Parliament Shalva Papuashvili ...
This damaging bill contravenes Georgia's international obligations on the rights to freedom of expression and association and strikes at the heart of the ...
Minister for Europe Nusrat Ghani has opposed Georgian Parliament support for a Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence.
Official suggests US funding could be pulled as new 'Kremlin-inspired' law provokes mass protests.
Thousands of protesters rallied Tuesday in Georgia after parliament adopted a law to brand overseas-funded NGOs as groups under “foreign influence”, ...
Lika Mebagishvili, chair of the Dental Workers' Union of Georgia, spoke to Sacha Ismail from Solidarity. • On 16 May Lika is speaking, alongside Ukrainian ...
Intimidation is becoming a feature of daily life, even before a controversial new Kremlin-style law takes effect.
The White House said it was "deeply troubled" that parliament had passed the bill. The UK, Germany, Italy and France have also all urged Georgia to withdraw ...
The measure, described as authoritarian and Russian inspired, was approved despite warnings from the EU and the US.
“The adoption at third reading of the draft law 'on transparency of foreign influence' by the Parliament of Georgia, without waiting for the opinion of the ...
Salome Zurabishvili says protests in Tbilisi prove Georgians 'will never return to Russian pressure'
Brussels warns the country that its Kremlin-style civil society restrictions could imperil its EU bid.
The statement came 24 hours after the law passed its third reading in the Georgian parliament. ADVERTISEMENT. Josep Borrell broke his silence on Wednesday and ...
Georgia's parliament has adopted controversial legislation targeting foreign-funded organisations despite weeks of street protests involving tens of ...
The EU will freeze Georgia's membership bid if Tbilisi enacts a controversial “foreign agents” law critics say is inspired by Vladimir Putin's Russia.
Protests set to continue as Western nations urge Georgian authorities against adopting 'Kremlin-style' measure.
Opinion polls showed large majorities supporting membership in the European Union and NATO, and the liberal ideals those institutions embody. The government, ...
Georgia is in tumult. In the face of huge popular opposition, and even brawling among MPs, the ruling Georgian Dream coalition government has forced its ...
Georgia's controversial Kremlin-style 'foreign agent' law 'negatively impacts' the country's progress on its accession path and should be withdrawn, ...