Tbilisi, Georgia - Tens of thousands of Georgian citizens took to the streets on May 11 and 12, protesting against the government's proposed 'foreign agent' bill. The legislation, which is expected to be adopted by parliament on May 13, would require media outlets, NGOs, and other nonprofits to register as foreign agents if more than 20% of their funding comes from abroad. Critics argue that the law is a threat to democracy and freedom of speech in Georgia. Here's what we know about the situation:
On May 11, Georgian protesters gathered in central Tbilisi for another mass rally against the controversial bill. Opposition leaders called on demonstrators to return on May 12 and spend the night outside parliament to prevent its passage. The United States, EU officials, and other international organizations have condemned the draft legislation.
The proposed law is modeled after Russia's 'foreign agent' legislation that has been used to silence dissent and punish independent institutions in that country. Critics argue that it would restrict freedom of speech and association in Georgia, potentially leading to self-censorship among media outlets and NGOs.
The United States has been a significant supporter of Georgia's efforts to join the European Union and other Western institutions. The U.S. National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, issued a statement expressing concern over the bill and urged Georgian authorities to respect democratic norms and human rights.
Georgia's opposition leaders have called on protesters to gather late on May 12 and spend the night outside parliament to prevent its passage. The European Union has also expressed concern over the bill, with EU officials warning that it could jeopardize Tbilisi's further integration with the bloc.
The dispute over the bill could have significant implications for Georgia's foreign policy, as well as its relations with Western powers and Russia. Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili has defended the legislation, arguing that it is necessary to assert Georgian sovereignty against Western powers.
The protests on May 11 and 12 were some of the largest seen in Georgia since its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The exact number of protesters is still being debated, with estimates ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands.
This is a developing story, and we will continue to monitor it closely.
