Georgian authorities deployed tear gas and water cannons on Tuesday outside the parliament building in the capital to quell protesters vehemently opposing a proposed law perceived as a threat to press freedom and allegedly influenced by Russia. The contentious legislation, having secured initial approval, mandates that media outlets and non-governmental organizations relying on more than 20 percent foreign funding register as “agents of foreign influence.”
International organizations have expressed deep concern over the draft law, contending that it contradicts Georgia’s democratic trajectory. President Salome Zourabichvili strongly rebuked the parliament for introducing the legislation, asserting that it was “dictated by Moscow.”
In a symbolic video backdrop featuring New York’s Statue of Liberty, Zourabichvili aligned herself with the protesters, declaring, “I am standing in New York, and behind me is the Statue of Liberty. This is a symbol for which Georgia has always fought, for which we have come to this day. I am with you because today you represent free Georgia. Georgia, which envisions its future in Europe and will not allow anyone to dictate otherwise. This law must be abolished in any form.”
Despite Zourabichvili’s promise to veto the law, parliamentary authority looms large, with the potential to overrule her decision. Reports from the police indicated injuries to several law enforcement officers, while protesters also claimed to have suffered injuries during the clashes.
Comparisons have been drawn to Russia’s use of similar foreign agent laws to silence dissenting voices and shutter organizations and news outlets critical of the government. Georgian civil activists and opposition representatives took a firm stand, blocking both entrances to the parliament building and chanting slogans such as “No to Russian law!” and “Russians!” in a display of solidarity against perceived foreign interference.
The European Union issued a stark warning to Georgia, cautioning that adopting such legislation would jeopardize its prospects of joining the bloc. Khatia Dekanoidze, a member of the opposition National Movement Rally, emphasized the significance of the European path, asserting, “Everyone should understand that saving our country, saving our young generation, saving our future lies only through the European path.” As tensions mount and the nation grapples with the implications of the proposed law, the clash between opposing forces underscores the deep-seated concerns over the perceived erosion of democratic values and press freedom in Georgia.
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