Thousands Rally in Tbilisi on Georgian Independence Day Amid Fears of "Foreign Influence" Law

Tens of thousands of Georgians took to the streets of the capital Tbilisi on Sunday, marking the country's independence day with a resounding protest against the government's proposed "foreign influence" law. The controversial legislation, which targets NGOs and media outlets receiving funding from abroad, has sparked fears that it will draw the nation closer to Russia's orbit and derail its longstanding dream of joining the European Union.

Despite being vetoed by  Georgia's pro-EU president and condemned by Western governments, the law is expected to be passed by legislators next week, prompting widespread concerns about its potential impact on the country's democratic institutions and civil liberties.

Why It Matters: The massive protest in Tbilisi underscores the deep divide within Georgian society regarding the nation's geopolitical allegiances and future trajectory. The proposed legislation has reignited long-standing tensions between those who seek closer ties with the West and those who favor a more Russia-centric approach, raising questions about the country's commitment to democratic values and the rule of law.

On one of the busiest streets in the city, thousands of demonstrators waved European flags and carried placards denouncing what critics have called the "Russian law" due to its similarity to legislation first passed by the Kremlin. The proposed bill would require groups receiving over 20 percent of their funding from abroad to register as "organizations pursuing the interests of a foreign power."

"This law is a big threat," said 25-year-old protester Giorgi. "The government will use this in the way they want," he added, expressing fears that the law would put Tbilisi on a path "straight to Russia."

The United States has already imposed visa restrictions on officials behind the law, arguing that it would "stifle the exercise of freedoms of association and expression." Opposition politicians have accused the ruling Georgian Dream conservative party, which introduced the legislation, of seeking to appease the Kremlin – an accusation the government denies.

"We expect that they will freeze our assets and accounts, and they will not allow us to monitor the elections," said Eka Gigauri, the local head of the anti-corruption NGO Transparency International, highlighting the potential consequences of the law on civil society organizations.

Despite the government's claims that the bill aims to ensure "transparency" among the country's NGOs, protesters remain unconvinced, fearing that it will undermine Georgia's democratic institutions and civil liberties.

"I don't want to leave my country. I want to stay here, to raise my child here, I want to see my country really free," said Kate, a 41-year-old worker at a local aviation manufacturer, adding that she was also protesting against what she called the "Russian regime in Georgia."

As the protests continue, demonstrators remain resolute, vowing to maintain their defiance until the controversial law is scrapped. "So it's an ongoing protest, never-ending until we win," said 32-year-old Salome, expressing the determination of the protesters to safeguard Georgia's independence and pro-Western aspirations.

Key Takeaways:

• Tens of thousands of Georgians rallied in Tbilisi, protesting the proposed "foreign influence" law targeting NGOs and media.
• Protesters fear the law will draw Georgia closer to Russia and derail its EU membership aspirations.
• The controversial legislation has sparked concerns about the erosion of democratic institutions and civil liberties.
• The protest underscores the deep divide within Georgian society regarding the nation's geopolitical allegiances.
• Demonstrators vow to continue protesting until the law is scrapped, determined to safeguard Georgia's independence and pro-Western aspirations.