Protests were held in Georgia. Citizens and politicians opposed the bill on foreign agents, which Russia clearly pushed through. Let's tell what happened.
Channel 24 tells about the protest action in Georgia. We tried to reproduce the events of the evening of March 7th and part of the night of March 8th. Immediately make a reservation that the time is approximate, taking into account the mentions of certain events in the media.
16:09. It became known that in Georgia the tension began to grow on the afternoon of March 7. Journalists reported that during the plenary session they plan to consider a number of bills. In particular, about the so-called foreign agents. Note that this is already operating in Russia. 16:21. MP from the “People's Movement” Khatia Dekanoidze called on the society to unite and protest against the bill.
We will be here, we will prevent the adoption of this bill as much as possible, but all together, as never before, there is strength in unity. We are waiting for everyone, because it is very important that they fail,” she stressed.
17:23. It became known that the participants of the protest action, which took place in parallel near the parliament, unfurled the flags of Georgia and the European Union. They also chanted “Slaves” and “No to Russian Law”. 19:04. Because of the protest action, Shota Rustaveli Avenue, where, in fact, the parliament is located, was blocked. It was joined by both ordinary citizens of the country and representatives of political parties. They continued to oppose the bill and noted that it threatens Georgia's European integration. 19:32. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the country appealed to the organizers of the action. They are asked not to allow calls for violence, as well as to ensure that the action is peaceful. 20:23. In the first reading, the parliament supported the draft law “On the transparency of foreign influence.” 76 MPs cast their votes “For” and 13 votes “Against” . 20:26. Almost immediately, the first skirmish broke out near the parliament between the police and the protesters. This happened after the call of the leaders to move to all three entrances to the building. Law enforcement officers did everything to prevent the protesters from approaching.
Unarmed Georgians courageously defend their freedom / Photo from social networks
20:34. Special forces were brought to the territory located near the parliament. He was seen on Chitadze Street, where a confrontation broke out between the police and the protesters. 20:42. It is known that law enforcement officers used tear gas against the protesters. In addition, there is a water cannon on the territory. 20:54. Law enforcers urged the Georgians to disperse. Moreover, they were threatened with “the use of measures prescribed by law to restore public order.” 21:00. It became known that the special forces again used tear gas. 21:06. Meanwhile, restless and in the Parliament itself. Politicians gathered outside the office of the head of the legislative body, Shalva Papuashvili. They demand to meet with him. In particular, opposition deputies Khatuna Samnidze, Anna Natsvlishvili and Salome Samadashvili.
Georgians unfurled the flags of Georgia and the EU / Photo by Radio Liberty
21:14. The Ministry of Internal Affairs continued to justify criminal acts. Law enforcers noted that the action near the parliament had become violent. Like, if the participants lean, the police will use proportional force, including special means. Then it happened. 21:18. Law enforcement officers tried to disperse the protesters with a water cannon. 21:35. Information was received about the victims as a result of the use of tear gas by law enforcement officers. They were assisted by ambulances mobilized to the scene. Then it became known that not a single participant of the action was hospitalized. 21:40. The special forces began to actively disperse the protesters. Water cannons are being used again.
People are dispersed by water cannons / Photo from social networks
21:44. The organizers of the action urged the participants to move away from the parliament and gather in the Republic Square. 21:51. Meanwhile, it became known that law enforcement officers detained several protesters near the parliament. At that point, they continued to use water cannons and tear gas. 22:14. Meanwhile, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili canceled all meetings scheduled at the UN. Despite her visit to the United States, she decided to appeal to the population of the country.
Salome Zurabishvili addressed the Georgians and the entire world community.
I appeal to you, to those who are standing on Rustaveli tonight, as I myself have stood many times. I am with you because you represent free Georgia. A country that belongs to free Europe and no one can take it away. Nobody needs this law, it was written under the dictation of Moscow,” she stressed.
The President stressed that “from the first day I said that I would veto, and I will veto.”
22:27. The Ministry of Internal Affairs stated that several law enforcement officers were injured, and machinery and equipment were also damaged. 23:04. It became known that an egg was thrown at Levan Ioseliane near the parliament. The protesters called him a “slave”. It is known that it hit the Ombudsman in the head. 23:25. The situation near the parliament again became tense. The special forces continued to disperse the protesters with the help of water cannons. They did not disperse, although they were called by law enforcement officers. 23:59. Special forces freed Chitadze Street from the protesters. It is known that law enforcement officers detained several people. 00:52. The representative of the US State Department, Ned Price, reacted to the situation. He condemned the crackdown on the protests and noted that Washington is closely monitoring the situation. Moreover, it has a tool that will help to hold accountable for violations of human rights. He thus hinted that sanctions could be imposed on those involved in the suppression of protests. 01:12. It is known that the protesters, after being dispersed by a water cannon, returned under the parliament building. 01:28. Special forces went there to extend the dispersal of peaceful participants in the action. 01:38. The special forces moved from Freedom Square and a side street near the parliament. Thus, they tried to surround the protesters and drive them away from the building. For this, tear gas and water cannons were once again used. 01:56. It became known that law enforcement officers detained several more protesters near the parliament. 02:18. Information was received that the special forces completely occupied the territory adjacent to the parliament. 02:27. The Interior Ministry confirmed that they had detained Zurab Japaridze. According to journalists, the leader of the “Gorchi – more freedom” party was snatched from the crowd and beaten.
