Short version of the news
Protests are being held in the capital of Georgia against the adoption of the bill on “foreign agents”. During the rally on April 30, law enforcement officers used pepper spray.
On Tuesday, April 30, the bill “On Transparency of Foreign Influence” was submitted for consideration plenary session of the Parliament of Georgia in the second reading. At the same time, the leader of the parliamentary majority, Mamuka Mdinaradze, said that its discussion could last several days.
Rally near parliament< /h2>
Activists, opposition, representatives of the non-governmental sector, youth organizations and movements blocked Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi, calling on the ruling party to immediately withdraw the bill. This is reported by a number of Georgian media, reports 24 Channel.
Students of state universities had previously gathered at the back entrance of parliament and called on other participants to surround the building.
Special forces used pepper spray to push protesters away from the entrance to the Georgian parliament building. Thus, they tried to allow representatives of the ruling Georgian Dream party to leave.
Protesters blocked Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi/Photo: Radio Liberty
The Ministry of Internal Affairs called on the organizers and participants of the rally to obey the instructions of law enforcement officers. At the same time, the protesters chanted “Slaves!” towards the deputies
There are victims
A deputy from the opposition party “National Movement” Ana Tsitlidze suffered from pepper spray. The Georgian service of Radio Liberty also reports on injured journalists.
Clashes between police and protesters occur in Tbilisi: watch video
According to the organizers, about 10 protesters have been detained so far. Journalists also reported the use of a water cannon against demonstrators, some of them are receiving medical assistance.
The law on “foreign agents” and protests in Georgia : briefly
- On the morning of April 15, despite previous criticism and protests, discussion of the law on “Transparency of Foreign Influence” began. It is an absolute analogue of the Russian law on “foreign agents.”
- At the same time, many people came to the parliament building to oppose the adoption of this bill. Opposition leaders called not to adopt the “Russian” law and not to deprive Georgia of its European future.
- Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said that the bill on “foreign agents” in the country should supposedly protect the country from “Ukrainization”. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry responded that the real threat to Georgia is Russification, and not “mystical Ukrainization.” and Euro-Atlantic structures Alex Petriashvili was detained by police during protests in Tbilisi.
