Thousands in Georgia join protest against ‘foreign agent’ bill despite warnings of arrests
- Protesters in Georgia defy threat of arrest as ‘foreign agent’ bill moves closer to being passed
- Critics say the bill mirrors Russian legislation used to silence dissent, independent media
Several thousand Georgians gathered outside parliament in Tbilisi on Sunday night in a fresh protest against a Russian-styled “foreign agent” bill, despite government officials warning of arrests.
Demonstrations have gripped the tiny Caucasus country for weeks over the bill targeting NGOs, dubbed the “Russian law” as it mirrors repressive legislation used by the Kremlin to silence critics.
Carrying EU and Georgian flags, protesters poured into the main Rustaveli Avenue, hours before parliament was expected debate the bill in a third reading. The ruling Georgian Dream party is intent on passing the bill this week.
Georgia’s pro-EU President Salome Zurabishvili warned protesters to beware of “provocations”, days after some activists reported harassment.
