Protesters Clash with Police Over Controversial 'Foreign Agents' Law in Georgia

Thousands of protesters gathered outside the Georgian parliament on May 28, 2024, to express their opposition to the controversial 'foreign agents' law. The law, which targets media and NGOs receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad, has sparked widespread criticism for potentially stifling civil society and hindering Georgia's chances of joining the European Union.

Despite a veto from President Salome Zourabichvili, the Georgian parliament, controlled by the ruling Georgian Dream party, pushed through the law with an 84-4 vote. This move has been met with strong opposition both domestically and internationally. The EU foreign affairs chief, Josep Borrell, stated that the law 'is not in line with EU values' and warned that its adoption would impact Georgia's EU path.

The demonstrations in Tbilisi have been marked by clashes between protesters and police, with riot police deployed inside the parliament building and its yard. The Director of the Interior Ministry's Special Tasks Department, Zviad 'Khareba' Kharazishvili, admitted to using force against protesters, referring to them as 'scum.'

Why this matters: The adoption of the 'foreign agents' law in Georgia has significant implications for the country's democratic process and its aspirations to join the European Union. If implemented, it could lead to the stifling of civil society and hinder Georgia's chances of joining the EU, potentially destabilizing the region.

International reactions have been swift and critical. The US has proposed sanctions against officials responsible for the bill, while U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced travel sanctions on Georgian officials 'who are responsible for or complicit in undermining democracy in Georgia.'

Opponents of the law, including journalists and activists, argue that it aims to stigmatize them and restrict debate ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for October. 'This day will determine the fate of our country,' said student protester Zuka Elbakidze. 'We are making a choice between Europe and Russia, and all the people gathered here, except the policemen, want Europe and the West.'

The ruling party claims the bill is needed to stem what it deems to be harmful foreign actors trying to destabilize the South Caucasus nation of 3.7 million. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated, 'The law on transparency will create better grounds for ensuring the membership of Georgia in the EU.'

Georgia was offered EU candidate status last December, but needs to implement key policy recommendations for its membership bid to progress. The European Union's foreign policy arm has said that adoption of the law negatively impacts Georgia's progress on the EU path.

The situation continues to unfold, and the future of Georgia's democratic process and its aspirations to join the European Union remain uncertain. The protests and international responses highlight the significant tensions between domestic policies and international expectations.

Key Takeaways

• Georgia's parliament passes "foreign agents" law despite presidential veto.
• Law targets media and NGOs receiving >20% foreign funding, sparking criticism.
• EU and US condemn law, warning it may hinder Georgia's EU membership bid.
• Protests in Tbilisi turn violent, with police using force against demonstrators.
• Law's adoption may stifle civil society and destabilize the region.