Thousands gather in Georgia’s capital, demanding the government withdraw legislation likened to oppressive Russian laws

In a significant display of civil unrest, thousands of demonstrators converged on the streets of Tbilisi, Georgia, to protest against a proposed “foreign influence” bill, which critics argue mirrors repressive measures used by Russia to stifle dissent. The protesters, many waving EU and Georgian flags, voiced strong opposition to what they have dubbed the “Russian law.”

The controversial bill, if passed, would mandate that all non-governmental organizations and media outlets receiving over 20% of their funding from foreign sources register as entities “serving the interests of a foreign power.” This proposal has sparked fears among Georgians of creeping authoritarianism and reduced civil liberties, reminiscent of their northern neighbour’s political climate.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze defended the bill, asserting its necessity for ensuring financial transparency among organizations receiving international grants. However, this rationale has failed to quell the uproar it has provoked among the public and various political factions within the country.

Opposition parties and independent media outlets have lambasted the bill as a direct threat to the freedom of the press and civil society in Georgia, potentially derailing the nation’s aspirations to join the European Union. The legislative move has been perceived as a strategic attempt by the ruling Georgian Dream party to consolidate power ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections.

The situation in parliament escalated dramatically when opposition MP Aleko Elisashvili physically assaulted Mamuka Mdinaradze, the parliamentary leader of Georgian Dream, during a heated debate on the bill. This incident sparked further chaos within the legislative chamber, underlining the intense opposition the bill faces.

Pro-Western President Salome Zurabishvili has openly criticized the bill, reaffirming her commitment to steering Georgia away from Russian-style governance. “Georgia will not surrender to re-Sovietisation!” she declared on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

The bill has also attracted international condemnation, with both the EU and the US declaring it incompatible with Georgia’s stated goal of European integration. A recent poll indicates overwhelming public support for EU membership, with over 80% of Georgians favouring integration.

As the government presses forward with this contentious legislation, the people of Georgia stand resolute in their fight to protect their democratic values and aspirations for a future aligned with Western norms rather than Eastern autocracy.