Massive Protests in Georgia Against Controversial Foreign Agent Bill Amid US Concerns
Massive demonstrations in Georgia as protestors rally against a contentious foreign agent bill sparking a political crisis. The US warns of a dilemma between adopting a Russian-style law or upholding the country's Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
About 50,000 people against a bill targeting "foreign agents" took part in a peaceful march in the rainy Georgian capital. The United States warned Georgia to decide between the controversial law and the country's desire to align with Europe and NATO.
The White House national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, expressed serious concerns about the decline of democracy in Georgia.
Georgian parliamentarians are at a crossroads, facing a crucial decision. They must choose whether to support the Georgian people's aspirations to join Euro-Atlantic institutions or to approve a foreign agents' law similar to those enforced by the Kremlin, going against democratic principles. The speaker emphasized their solidarity with the Georgian people.
The proposed bill states that organizations that receive over 20% of their funding from foreign sources would need to register as "agents of foreign influence." This controversial bill has sparked a political crisis in Georgia, leading to widespread protests with thousands of people calling for the withdrawal of the bill.
The crowd on Saturday waved flags from Georgia, the European Union, and Ukraine. There was a mix of older protesters and young people, a change from the past month where mostly young people were seen on the streets.
Demonstrators protest against the foreign agents bill in Tbilisi, Georgia, on May 11, 2024.
Demonstrators protest against the foreign agents bill in Tbilisi, Georgia, on May 11, 2024.
Irakli Gedenidze/Reuters
One protester in her 30s, named Nino, expressed the importance of the government listening to the voices of the free people of Georgia. She proudly waved a large Georgian flag as she led one of three groups heading towards the city center. This resulted in the blocking of many roads and filling the cobblestoned heart of Tbilisi’s old town.
Nino emphasized the desire of the protesters to join the European Union as a proud nation while maintaining their dignity.
Anuki, a 22-year-old student studying acting, believes that it is important for her generation to ensure a safe future for themselves and future generations. She emphasizes the importance of having freedom of speech and being able to live freely.
Anuki also expresses her desire for her country to not be associated with Russia. She states that this has never been their preference and they have always aimed to be a part of Europe.
CNN's Anna Coren speaks to Giorgi Revishvili about Georgia's foreign agents bill, known to critics as the so called "Russian law."
CNN's Anna Coren speaks to Giorgi Revishvili about Georgia's foreign agents bill, known to critics as the so called "Russian law."
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Explaining the controversy surrounding Georgia’s foreign agents bill
Parliament, led by the ruling Georgian Dream party and its supporters, is set to start committee hearings on the bill's third and final reading on Monday. Meanwhile, opposition groups have urged for new protests starting from Saturday.
The ongoing crisis has created a divide between the ruling Georgian Dream party and a coalition of opposition parties, civil society, celebrities, and the country's figurehead president. Mass protests have been taking place in central Tbilisi almost every night for over a month.
Georgian critics call the bill “the Russian law,” claiming it resembles legislation aimed at silencing critics of President Vladimir Putin’s government.
The European Union, which gave Georgia candidate status in December, warns that passing the bill could hinder further integration.
Georgian Dream says the bill will promote transparency and Georgian national sovereignty.
Demonstrators protest against the foreign agents bill in Tbilisi, Georgia, on May 11, 2024.
Demonstrators protest against the foreign agents bill in Tbilisi, Georgia, on May 11, 2024.
Irakli Gedenidze/Reuters
Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of Georgian Dream, believes that the law is needed to prevent the West from using Georgians as pawns in a conflict with Russia.
According to Sullivan, it seems that Georgian Dream is intentionally distancing itself from the West, despite the fact that both the ruling party and Georgian public opinion have historically supported the country's accession to the EU and NATO.
Sullivan expressed concern that Georgian Dream's recent statements, planned legal adjustments, and behavior are not in line with the desires of the people of Georgia. These actions seem to aim at disconnecting Georgians from the United States and Europe.
Editor's P/S:
The mass protest in Georgia against the "foreign agents" bill is a testament to the country's strong desire to align with Europe and NATO, and its rejection of the Kremlin's authoritarianism. The proposed bill, which would label organizations receiving foreign funding as "agents of foreign influence," has sparked outrage among Georgians who see it as an attempt to stifle dissent and silence opposition voices.
The United States' warning to Georgia highlights the international concern over the bill's implications for democracy in the country. The White House's expression of serious concerns about the decline of democracy in Georgia adds weight to the protesters' demands and puts pressure on the Georgian government to reconsider the bill. The EU's candidate status for Georgia also hangs in the balance, as the bloc has warned that passing the bill could hinder further integration.
