Georgia

2024 - 5 - 14

Georgia's 'Foreign Agents' Bill Sparks Outrage and Protests: What You Need to Know

Civil society - EU values - European Union - Foreign agents law - Georgia protests - Georgian Dream party - NGO threats - Russian influence - Tbilisi protests - US-Georgia relations

Discover why Georgia's controversial 'foreign agents' bill is causing widespread protests and alarming Europe. #Georgia #Protests #ForeignAgents

Georgia is currently embroiled in a heated debate over a proposed 'foreign agents' bill that has ignited outrage and led to massive protests across the country. The bill, set to be passed by Georgia's parliament, is viewed by many as a threat to democratic values and a tool for curbing civil liberties. Thousands have taken to the streets of Tbilisi, the capital city, to demonstrate against the legislation, with protesters highlighting concerns that the bill could be influenced by Russia.

The standoff between protesters and authorities in Georgia reflects a growing tension over the country's direction, with fears that the bill could jeopardize Georgia's aspirations to join the European Union. The proposed law has been criticized for targeting civil society organizations and potentially stifling freedom of expression. The atmosphere in Tbilisi is charged as the government pushes for the bill's approval, while protesters remain steadfast in their opposition.

As tensions escalate, reports of threats against NGO leaders have multiplied, adding to the already volatile situation in Georgia. Critics have labeled the bill as the 'Russian law,' emphasizing concerns about foreign influence and potential repercussions on civil rights. The resilience of protesters, who have vowed to continue fighting against the legislation, showcases a deep-seated dissatisfaction with the government's direction.

In a concerning development, Georgia police have been accused of using excessive force against protesters demonstrating against the 'foreign agents' bill. The allegations of police brutality have further fueled the anger and determination of the opposition, amplifying calls for transparency and respect for democratic principles. As the situation intensifies, Georgia finds itself at a critical juncture, with the outcome of the bill likely to have far-reaching implications for the country's future.

One key figure in the controversy is Zviad Tsetskhladze, an 18-year-old protester whose resilience symbolizes the determination of the Georgian people to protect their rights. Additionally, the fierce resistance against the bill highlights the deep-rooted commitment of Georgia's citizens to uphold democratic values and resist external influences that threaten their freedoms.

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Image courtesy of "CNN"

What is Georgia's 'foreign agents' bill, and why is Europe so alarmed? (CNN)

Georgia's parliament is set to pass a highly controversial so-called “foreign agents” bill that has triggered widespread protests across the former Soviet ...

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Georgia protests: Riot police face off against foreign influence bill ... (BBC News)

Thousands have gathered outside parliament in Tbilisi to protest the bill they say is Russian-inspired.

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Image courtesy of "Financial Times"

An ominous stand-off in Georgia (Financial Times)

Tbilisi government is set to pass a law that could derail the country's EU hopes.

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Image courtesy of "NPR"

Why protesters in Georgia are opposed to a 'foreign agents' law and ... (NPR)

More than 50000 people took to the streets of the capital city Tbilisi over the weekend to protest against proposed legislation that critics say is modeled ...

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Image courtesy of "FRANCE 24"

Threats against NGO leaders multiply as Georgia green lights ... (FRANCE 24)

A decisive vote on Tuesday could see the final adoption of a law, dubbed the “Russian law” by critics, that targets civil society organisations and ...

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

'The whole country will strike': protesters vow to keep fighting ... (The Guardian)

As the “foreign influence” bill was being nodded through the Georgian parliament's legal committee at 9am on Monday, a wet and tired Zviad Tsetskhladze, 18, ...

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Georgia police accused of beating protesters against 'foreign ... (The Guardian)

Unrest came as demonstrator who was attacked near his home says government is trying to intimidate critics.

Why Is Georgia Again Trying to Push Through an Unpopular Foreign ... (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace)

Last year, in his post as chairman of Georgian Dream, Kobakhidze zealously supported the law on foreign agents. Now, having been appointed prime minister, he is ...

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Image courtesy of "Eurasianet"

Georgia: As protests rock Tbilisi, prime minister claims silent majority ... (Eurasianet)

A showdown in Georgia between authorities and a mass protest movement, fueled by the government's determination to push through legislation that could limit ...

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Image courtesy of "Reuters"

Georgia students walk out, PM vows to pass 'foreign agent' bill on ... (Reuters)

Hundreds of university students in the Georgian capital walked out of classes on Monday, joining thousands of protesters opposing a bill on "foreign agents" ...

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Image courtesy of "RTE.ie"

Georgia adopts 'foreign influence' law despite protests (RTE.ie)

Georgia's parliament has adopted a controversial "foreign influence" law that has sparked weeks of mass protests against the measure, denounced as mirroring ...

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Georgia approves controversial law that sparked mass protests (BBC News)

Critics say the bill - which they call the "Russia law" - could be used to threaten civil liberties. Thousands of people were gathered near the parliament in ...

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Image courtesy of "POLITICO.eu"

Georgia defies EU and backs law targeting 'foreign agents' (POLITICO.eu)

Brussels warns new curbs on civil society flout “European values” as protests grow in Tbilisi.

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Police fire teargas at protesters and MPs brawl as Georgia passes ... (The Guardian)

Vote to adopt bill a 'serious obstacle' to Georgia's bid to join EU, European Commission warns.

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Image courtesy of "Sky News"

Georgia: Protesters and riot police face off outside Tbilisi parliament ... (Sky News)

There are concerns the bill, which has triggered long-running mass protests in Georgia, is modelled on laws used by Russia's President Putin.

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Image courtesy of "Financial Times"

Georgia adopts Russia-style 'foreign agents' law (Financial Times)

Ruling Georgian Dream party presses ahead with bill despite months of protests and warnings from Brussels.

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Image courtesy of "Aljazeera.com"

Georgia parliament passes 'foreign agents' bill amid scuffles (Aljazeera.com)

The bill requires organisations receiving more than 20 percent of their funding from abroad to register as foreign agents.

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Image courtesy of "FRANCE 24"

Georgian parliament approves divisive 'foreign agents' bill after final ... (FRANCE 24)

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 ...

OSCE Chair-in-Office Ian Borg to visit Georgia (OSCE)

During his visit, Minister Borg will meet with President Salome Zourabichvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Chairman of the Parliament Shalva Papuashvili ...

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Georgia approves controversial 'foreign agent' law, sparking more ... (BBC News)

However, the bill now faces a likely veto by Georgia's president, which the parliament in Tbilisi can override by holding an additional vote. Critics say the ...

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

US warns Georgia not to side with Moscow against the west (The Guardian)

Official suggests US funding could be pulled as new 'Kremlin-inspired' law provokes mass protests.

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Image courtesy of "ABC News"

Protesters throng main streets of Georgia's capital after parliament ... (ABC News)

Huge throngs of protesters blocked streets in the capital of Georgia and milled angrily outside the parliament building after lawmakers on Tuesday approved ...

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Image courtesy of "FRANCE 24"

Thousands protest in Georgia after lawmakers pass controversial ... (FRANCE 24)

Street protesters skirmished with riot police outside the parliament building in the centre of the capital, where demonstrations have raged for the last month.

Small Georgia Agency's Big Part in Climate, Infrastructure Spending (Governing)

The state's Environmental Finance Authority acts as a bank, a development authority and an aid agency all at once. The agency's mission is about to get even ...

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Image courtesy of "Euronews"

Georgia's prime minister says 'Russian law' necessary for peace as ... (Euronews)

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 ...

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Image courtesy of "Aljazeera.com"

Georgia parliament passes 'foreign agent' bill, triggering massive ... (Aljazeera.com)

The measure, described as authoritarian and Russian inspired, was approved despite warnings from the EU and the US.

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Image courtesy of "POLITICO.eu"

'We can be on the path to the EU or to Belarus': Political thug culture ... (POLITICO.eu)

Intimidation is becoming a feature of daily life, even before a controversial new Kremlin-style law takes effect.

Situation in Georgia (Council of Europe)

“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 ...

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Georgia 'returning to the past' with foreign agents law, says president (The Guardian)

Salome Zurabishvili says protests in Tbilisi prove Georgians 'will never return to Russian pressure'

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Image courtesy of "Irish Legal News"

Georgia: Controversial 'foreign influence' law approved by MPs (Irish Legal News)

Georgia's parliament has adopted controversial legislation targeting foreign-funded organisations despite weeks of street protests involving tens of ...

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Image courtesy of "Euronews"

Borrell denounces Georgia's 'Russian law' and demands its ... (Euronews)

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 ...

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Image courtesy of "POLITICO.eu"

EU condemns Georgia over brutal 'Russian law' crackdown (POLITICO.eu)

Brussels warns the country that its Kremlin-style civil society restrictions could imperil its EU bid.

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Image courtesy of "Aljazeera.com"

NATO warns Georgia 'foreign agents' bill is 'step in wrong direction' (Aljazeera.com)

Protests set to continue as Western nations urge Georgian authorities against adopting 'Kremlin-style' measure.

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Image courtesy of "RTE.ie"

West urges Georgia to withdraw 'foreign agent' law (RTE.ie)

Georgia faced a blizzard of international condemnation as the EU, NATO and UN criticised the adoption of a controversial "foreign influence" law targeting ...

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Image courtesy of "Aljazeera.com"

Georgia's 'foreign agents' bill: What's the controversy about? What's ... (Aljazeera.com)

The 'Russia law' will make it hard for Georgia to join European Union, argue protesters, the US and Baltic states.

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Image courtesy of "Eurasianet"

Georgia: Tracing the rise of illiberalism in Tbilisi (Eurasianet)

Opinion polls showed large majorities supporting membership in the European Union and NATO, and the liberal ideals those institutions embody. The government, ...

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Image courtesy of "Reuters"

EU urges Georgia to withdraw 'foreign agent' bill (Reuters)

The European Union urged Georgia on Wednesday to withdraw its controversial "foreign agents" law and warned that the measure would set back the country's ...

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