Thousands of Georgians defy warnings to join protest against ‘Russia’ bill
7 months, 1 week ago

Thousands of Georgians defy warnings to join protest against ‘Russia’ bill

Al Jazeera  

Protesters are angry at government efforts to pass a law against ‘foreign agents’ which mirrors repressive Russian legislation. Thousands of Georgians have joined new protests in Tbilisi against a Russian-styled “foreign agents” bill, as the government insisted it would push ahead with the legislation even after some of the largest protests since independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Carrying European Union and Georgian flags, protesters poured onto Tbilisi’s main Rustaveli Avenue, as Georgia’s pro-EU President Salome Zurabishvili warned demonstrators to beware of “provocations”, days after some activists reported harassment and protesters were met with water cannon and tear gas. But protesters appeared determined to stop the bill – which they fear will scupper Georgia’s long-held aim of joining the European Union and liken it to Russia’s 2012 “foreign agents” law, which has been used to hound critics of the government – from becoming law. “We, as students, don’t see a future with this Russian law,” said 20-year-old Nadezhda Polyakova, who was born and raised in Georgia but is ethnically Russian.

Law Russia Protest Russian Foreign Georgian Bill Protesters  defy  bill  thousands  agents  foreign  join  protesters  georgians  warnings  law  union  russia  georgias  warned  georgian  protests  protest

History of this topic

Thousands rally in Georgia’s 12th day of pro-EU protests
2 weeks ago

Thousands rally in Georgia’s 12th day of pro-EU protests

Al Jazeera  

Thousands of people took to the streets across Georgia for the 12th consecutive day of protests against the government’s decision to shelve European Union accession talks after disputed elections. Demanding a new vote and a return to European integration, protesters gathered outside parliament in the capital, Tbilisi, on Monday as the political crisis that roiled the Caucasian nation showed no …

Germany, France and Poland condemn use of force against protesters in Georgia
2 weeks, 2 days ago

Germany, France and Poland condemn use of force against protesters in Georgia

Associated Press  

BERLIN — The foreign ministers of Germany, France and Poland on Saturday strongly condemned “the disproportionate use of force” against peaceful protesters and the targeting of the opposition and media representatives in Georgia. Mass protests in Georgia fueled by the governing party’s decision to suspend negotiations on joining the European Union entered a second week on Thursday, with police cracking …

Georgia protests: What’s behind them and what’s next?
3 weeks ago

Georgia protests: What’s behind them and what’s next?

Al Jazeera  

Tens of thousands of demonstrators have clashed with riot police in Georgia over the past five nights in protests against the governing Georgian Dream party’s decision to suspend talks aimed at joining the European Union until 2028. It exemplifies the ruling Georgian Dream party’s pattern of democratic backsliding, state capture, rigging elections and attempts to undermine Georgia’s European aspirations.” How …

Protests lay bare a clash of values and interests as Georgia navigates a Russia-West standoff
3 weeks ago

Protests lay bare a clash of values and interests as Georgia navigates a Russia-West standoff

Associated Press  

TBILISI, Georgia — Georgia is convulsed by political upheaval again after its pro-Moscow government, fresh off parliamentary elections denounced as rigged by its critics, decided to suspend negotiations for the small former Soviet republic to join the European Union. Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said Moscow views the recent events in Georgia as similar to upheaval that rocked Ukraine in 2013 …

Georgia's prime minister accuses 'foreign instructors' of fermenting violent clashes between police and pro-EU protesters - as British man is arrested for 'breaking into Georgian parliament building'
Trending News
3 weeks, 1 day ago

Georgia's prime minister accuses 'foreign instructors' of fermenting violent clashes between police and pro-EU protesters - as British man is arrested for 'breaking into Georgian parliament building'

Daily Mail  

Georgia's controversial prime minister has accused 'foreign instructors' of being behind the violence that has consumed Tbilisi for the last three nights, as a British man was arrested for breaking into the country's parliament building. Protesters clash with police during a demonstration against the government's decision to delay European Union membership talks amid a post-election crisis, outside the Georgia Parliament …

Georgia plunges towards full-on civil revolt as countless pro-EU protesters rally in Tbilisi and clash with police while re-elected prime minister DEMANDS West-aligned president steps down this month
Trending News
3 weeks, 1 day ago

Georgia plunges towards full-on civil revolt as countless pro-EU protesters rally in Tbilisi and clash with police while re-elected prime minister DEMANDS West-aligned president steps down this month

Daily Mail  

Georgia has been plunged into a full-on civil revolt as countless protesters overran Tbilisi and clashed with police in the third night of violence following the government's decision to shelve its EU accession bid. Police use tear gas to disperse Georgian opposition supporters protesting in front of the Parliament building in Tbilisi, Georgia, 30 November 2024 Georgian opposition supporters launch …

Georgia protests spread as prime minister dismisses call for new elections
3 weeks, 2 days ago

Georgia protests spread as prime minister dismisses call for new elections

Al Jazeera  

Demonstrations spread across the country over ruling party’s path away from EU membership, shift towards Russia. The protests on Sunday topped months of tensions fuelled by critics of the ruling Georgian Dream party, which some charge has moved the country away from its path towards greater integration with Europe and instead towards Russia. Opposition TV channel Formula also showed footage …

Protesters gather for third night of demonstrations after Georgia announces suspension of EU talks
Trending News
3 weeks, 3 days ago

Protesters gather for third night of demonstrations after Georgia announces suspension of EU talks

Associated Press  

TBILISI, Georgia — Protesters gathered across Georgia on Saturday night in a third straight night of demonstrations against the government’s decision to suspend negotiations to join the European Union. Speaking to the AP on Saturday, Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili said that Georgia was becoming a “quasi-Russian” state and that Georgian Dream controlled the country’s major institutions. “Georgia has been always …

Georgian police clash with protesters over suspension of EU talks
3 weeks, 3 days ago

Georgian police clash with protesters over suspension of EU talks

LA Times  

Demonstrators throw firecrackers toward police during a street protest in Tbilisi, Georgia, against the government suspension of negotiations on joining the European Union. Georgian Dream’s disputed victory in the country’s Oct. 26 parliamentary election, which was widely seen as a referendum on Georgia’s aspirations to join the European Union, also sparked massive demonstrations and led to an opposition boycott of …

Georgian Protesters And Police Clash After Prime Minister Suspends Talks On Joining The EU
3 weeks, 4 days ago

Georgian Protesters And Police Clash After Prime Minister Suspends Talks On Joining The EU

Huff Post  

Protesters pour into the streets and put fire following Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's announcement, rallying outside the parliament building in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Nov. 29, 2024. Police used water cannons, pepper spray and tear gas late Thursday to disperse protesters who took to the streets following the announcement by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of the ruling Georgian Dream party. …

US suspends $95 million in aid to Georgia after passage of foreign agent law that sparked protests
4 months, 3 weeks ago

US suspends $95 million in aid to Georgia after passage of foreign agent law that sparked protests

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration on Wednesday suspended $95 million in U.S. assistance to Georgia after its parliament adopted legislation related to foreign agents that critics say was inspired by a Russian law used to crack down on political dissent and that sparked weeks of mass protests. The U.S. has also already imposed visa bans on a number of Georgian …

Georgia’s divide: Seniors wary of angering Russia as youth want change
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Georgia’s divide: Seniors wary of angering Russia as youth want change

Al Jazeera  

Tbilisi, Georgia - Georgia is in flux. Critics see the measure as resembling Russia's own "foreign agents" law, which is used to crack down on critics of the Kremlin. Russia's law, like Georgia's, requires those who are labelled as "foreign agents" to regularly report on their income and spending and undergo financial audits. Many among Georgia's Western-leaning younger generation view …

As Georgia presses on with ‘Russia-style’ laws, its citizens describe a country on the brink
5 months ago

As Georgia presses on with ‘Russia-style’ laws, its citizens describe a country on the brink

Associated Press  

Eka Gigauri is used to harsh words from officials about the anti-corruption work she does in Georgia. The “foreign influence” law requires media, civil society groups and nonprofit organizations to register as “pursuing the interests of a foreign power” if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad. Almost exactly a year later, Georgian Dream first put the …

Angered by Georgia’s ‘foreign agent’ law, young protesters try new tactic
5 months, 3 weeks ago

Angered by Georgia’s ‘foreign agent’ law, young protesters try new tactic

Al Jazeera  

Young demonstrators fight on ahead of October elections in a bid to exhaust the administration behind the controversial measure. Metreveli said the Georgian Dream initially appeared to support Georgia’s ambition to join the EU when it was established by billionaire oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili in 2012. Although joining sanctions against a key trading partner in Russia might be “unrealistic”, Metreveli says, …

Georgia parliament overrides president’s veto of controversial ‘foreign agents’ law
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Georgia parliament overrides president’s veto of controversial ‘foreign agents’ law

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Georgian parliament has overridden …

Victory for Putin as Georgia's parliament overrides presidential veto and passes divisive 'foreign agents' legislation - despite mass protests against the bill described as 'the Russian law'
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Victory for Putin as Georgia's parliament overrides presidential veto and passes divisive 'foreign agents' legislation - despite mass protests against the bill described as 'the Russian law'

Daily Mail  

Vladimir Putin has scored a major victory after Georgia forced through a ‘foreign agents’ bill that brings the fiercely pro-Western country closer to Moscow. Georgia is the most pro-Western country in the region, long seen as a ‘beacon of democracy’, and dragging it back into Putin’s sphere would mark a huge victory over the West Demonstrator with a placard with …

Georgian parliament overrides presidential veto of ‘foreign agent bill’
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Georgian parliament overrides presidential veto of ‘foreign agent bill’

Al Jazeera  

Critics say the bill will restrict media freedom and obstruct Georgia’s chances of joining the European Union. Georgia’s parliament has overridden a presidential veto of the “foreign agents” legislation that has fuelled Western concerns and set off weeks of street protests. The legislature, controlled by the governing Georgian Dream party, dismissed on Tuesday President Salome Zourabichvili’s veto of the legislation …

Georgian PM, president criticize each other over media freedom law on Independence Day
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Georgian PM, president criticize each other over media freedom law on Independence Day

Associated Press  

TBILISI, Georgia — The president and prime minister of Georgia on Sunday lashed out at each other at a ceremony marking the country’s independence day as strong tensions persist over a law that critics say will obstruct media freedom and damage Georgia’s bid to join the European Union. Those who sabotage and undermine this path trample upon and damage the …

Georgia’s president vetoes media legislation that has provoked weeks of protests
7 months ago

Georgia’s president vetoes media legislation that has provoked weeks of protests

Associated Press  

TBILISI, Georgia — Georgia’s president on Saturday vetoed the so-called “Russian law” targeting media that has sparked weeks of mass protests. President Salome Zourabichvili, who is increasingly at odds with Georgia’s ruling party, said on Saturday that the legislation contradicts Georgia’s Constitution and “all European standards,” and added that it “must be abolished.” The ruling party, Georgian Dream, has a …

Georgia’s president vetoes controversial ‘foreign agents’ bill
7 months ago

Georgia’s president vetoes controversial ‘foreign agents’ bill

Al Jazeera  

President Salome Zourabichvili says the law is ‘Russian in its essence’, but parliament is expected to overturn veto. Georgia’s President Salome Zourabichvili has vetoed the “foreign influence” bill that has sparked unprecedented protests in the country and warnings from Brussels that the measure would undermine Tbilisi’s European Union aspirations. The draft law requires non-governmental organisations and media outlets with more …

Georgia approves ‘foreign agents bill’: Why is the Russia-style law so controversial?
7 months, 1 week ago

Georgia approves ‘foreign agents bill’: Why is the Russia-style law so controversial?

Firstpost  

Georgia’s parliament has approved the ‘foreign agents bill’ in an 84-30 vote, resulting in strong protests and demonstrations across Tbilisi. People of the country have taken to the streets of its capital, Tbilisi, and chanting slogans outside the parliament building after lawmakers on Tuesday approved a “foreign agents” bill that critics call a Russian-style threat to free speech and also …

Georgia parliament passes ‘foreign agent’ bill, triggering massive protests
7 months, 1 week ago

Georgia parliament passes ‘foreign agent’ bill, triggering massive protests

Al Jazeera  

Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in Georgia after parliament approved a “foreign agents” bill despite widespread unrest in the country and warnings from the European Union and the United States. Chanting “no to the Russian law”, about 2,000 mainly young protesters gathered outside parliament ahead of the vote and several thousand joined the rally in the evening …

Georgia’s ‘foreign agents’ bill: What’s the controversy about? What’s next?
7 months, 1 week ago

Georgia’s ‘foreign agents’ bill: What’s the controversy about? What’s next?

Al Jazeera  

The ‘Russia law’ will make it hard for Georgia to join European Union, argue protesters, the US and Baltic states. Georgia’s Parliament passed its new “transparency of foreign influence” bill – also known as the “foreign agents” law – on Tuesday despite mass protests that have rocked the capital, Tbilisi, for the past few weeks. Georgia’s government says the bill …

Violence breaks out outside AND inside parliament as Georgia APPROVES 'Russian law' bill that has plunged the country into crisis and pushed it closer to Putin
7 months, 1 week ago

Violence breaks out outside AND inside parliament as Georgia APPROVES 'Russian law' bill that has plunged the country into crisis and pushed it closer to Putin

Daily Mail  

Violence broke out both outside and inside parliament today as Georgia approved a divisive 'Russian law' that has plunged the country into crisis and sparked weeks of mass protests. Georgian law enforcement officers detain a demonstrator protesting the controversial 'foreign agent' bill, near the parliament in Tbilisi on May 14, 2024 Georgian demonstrators attempt to break into the parliament through …

Protesters throng streets of Georgia's capital after parliament passes so-called 'Russian law'
7 months, 1 week ago

Protesters throng streets of Georgia's capital after parliament passes so-called 'Russian law'

Associated Press  

TBILISI, Georgia — Huge throngs of protesters blocked streets in the capital of Georgia and milled angrily outside the parliament building after lawmakers on Tuesday approved a “foreign influence” bill that critics call a Russian-style threat to free speech and the country’s aspirations to join the European Union. European Council President Charles Michel said Tuesday that if Georgians “want to …

Thousands protest after Georgia Parliament passes ‘foreign agents’ bill
7 months, 1 week ago

Thousands protest after Georgia Parliament passes ‘foreign agents’ bill

Al Jazeera  

The bill requires organisations receiving at least 20 percent of their funding from abroad to register as foreign agents. Thousands of protesters have rallied in Georgia after its parliament passed the third and final reading of a bill on “foreign agents” despite warnings from Brussels that its passage could harm the country’s bid to join the European Union. We are …

The Take: What’s behind Georgia’s ‘foreign agents’ protests?
7 months, 1 week ago

The Take: What’s behind Georgia’s ‘foreign agents’ protests?

Al Jazeera  

Police in Tbilisi crack down on protesters as tens of thousands rally to oppose a controversial ‘foreign influence’ bill. Protesters are calling it the “Russian law” – a bill in Georgia’s parliament that, if passed, would label any organisation with more than 20 percent foreign funding as a foreign agent. How will it affect whether this small former Soviet republic …

Last stand for democracy as 1,000 protesters demonstrate against Georgia's 'Russian law' that copies Kremlin's repressive legislation and moves the country closer to Putin
7 months, 1 week ago

Last stand for democracy as 1,000 protesters demonstrate against Georgia's 'Russian law' that copies Kremlin's repressive legislation and moves the country closer to Putin

Daily Mail  

Around 1,000 protesters were still outside Georgia's parliament Monday morning after an all-night last-stand demonstration against a highly controversial Russian-style 'foreign influence' bill. Police Force face protesters during a protest against the foreign agents law as two Americans and one Russian citizen are among 20 detained on May 13, 2024 in Tbilisi, Georgia Police intervene protesters as demonstrators protest the …

Georgian president vetoes 'foreign agents' bill that has caused widespread protests
7 months, 1 week ago

Georgian president vetoes 'foreign agents' bill that has caused widespread protests

NPR  

Georgian president vetoes 'foreign agents' bill that has caused widespread protests Enlarge this image toggle caption Giorgi Arjevanidze/AFP via Getty Images Giorgi Arjevanidze/AFP via Getty Images Georgia's president on Saturday vetoed its "foreign agents" bill, a controversial piece of legislation that has led to weeks of protest in the former Soviet republic and is seen by many as a tug …

‘No to the Russian law!’ Georgia protesters demand a ‘European future’
7 months, 2 weeks ago

‘No to the Russian law!’ Georgia protesters demand a ‘European future’

Al Jazeera  

Tbilisi, Georgia – Crowds of protesters have been braving tear gas and water canons after more than two weeks of protest against the Georgian government’s draft law targeting civil society. US Ambassador to Georgia Robin Dunnigan said in a statement on May 2 that the US government had invited Georgia’s prime minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, to high-level talks “with the most …

Why did bill to stem ‘foreign influence’ trigger protests in Georgia over country’s media freedom?
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Why did bill to stem ‘foreign influence’ trigger protests in Georgia over country’s media freedom?

Associated Press  

TBILISI, Georgia — Georgia has been engulfed by huge protests triggered by a proposed law that critics see as a threat to media freedom and the country’s aspirations to join the European Union. The opposition United National Movement accuses Georgian Dream, which was founded by Bidzina Ivanishvili, a billionaire who made his fortune in Russia, of serving Moscow’s interests — …

EU and US urge Georgia to halt ‘foreign agents’ bill and not turn away from West after mass protests
7 months, 3 weeks ago

EU and US urge Georgia to halt ‘foreign agents’ bill and not turn away from West after mass protests

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The European Union said the bill – which would …

UN, EU, US urge Georgia to halt ‘foreign agents’ bill as protests grow
7 months, 3 weeks ago

UN, EU, US urge Georgia to halt ‘foreign agents’ bill as protests grow

Al Jazeera  

Thousands gather in Tbilisi to protest against the bill, which passed its second reading in parliament this week. The European Union, United Nations, and the United States have condemned legislation making its way through Georgia’s parliament on “foreign agents”, as thousands of protesters snarled traffic in the country’s capital Tbilisi on Thursday with a large new protest against the bill. …

Georgian lawmakers move closer to passing ‘Russian law’ targeting the media. Protesters gather again
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Georgian lawmakers move closer to passing ‘Russian law’ targeting the media. Protesters gather again

Associated Press  

TBILISI, Georgia — Georgia’s Parliament moved a step closer Wednesday to passing a law that critics fear will stifle media freedom and endanger the country’s European Union membership bid, as police used water cannons, tear gas and pepper spray against the tens of thousands of protesters who thronged surrounding streets. Opposition lawmaker Helene Khoshtaria accused the ruling party of trying …

Police in Georgia use tear gas, water cannons to disperse protest against so-called ‘Russian law’
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Police in Georgia use tear gas, water cannons to disperse protest against so-called ‘Russian law’

Associated Press  

TBILISI, Georgia — Police in Georgia’s capital used tear gas and water cannons Tuesday to disperse protesters who rallied outside the country’s parliament to protest a bill that would require media and non-commercial organizations to register as being under foreign influence if they get over 20% of their funding from abroad. They denounced it as “the Russian law” because Moscow …

Georgia police crack down on protest against ‘foreign influence’ bill
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Georgia police crack down on protest against ‘foreign influence’ bill

Al Jazeera  

The crackdown in Tbilisi comes after lawmakers debated a controversial bill on foreign funding. Police in Georgia have used tear gas and rubber bullets against protesters as thousands rallied outside parliament in Tbilisi for a third week to oppose a controversial “foreign influence” bill. Masked riot police violently cracked down on the rally on Tuesday beating and arresting many people …

Georgians ‘March for Europe’ in protest against controversial bill
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Georgians ‘March for Europe’ in protest against controversial bill

Al Jazeera  

Huge crowds have rallied in Georgia’s capital Tbilisi calling for the country to pursue a course of Western orientation in response to a draconian bill seen as influenced by Russia. There have been mass antigovernment protests since mid-April, when the governing Georgian Dream party reintroduced the plan to pass the law, which critics say resembles Russian legislation used to silence …

Georgia advances ‘foreign agents’ bill as 20,000 rally against it
8 months ago

Georgia advances ‘foreign agents’ bill as 20,000 rally against it

Al Jazeera  

The ruling party suddenly reintroduced the bill earlier this month, after mass protests forced its withdrawal last year. Critics say the bill mirrors a repressive Russian law on “foreign agents” that has been used against independent news media and groups seen as being at odds with the Kremlin and will undermine Tbilisi’s aspirations for closer European Union ties and, ultimately, …

Thousands protest in Georgia over contentious ‘foreign agents’ bill
8 months, 1 week ago

Thousands protest in Georgia over contentious ‘foreign agents’ bill

Al Jazeera  

Thousands of Georgians took to the streets in protest and politicians came to blows in parliament as governing party legislators gave the initial go-ahead for debate on a bill on “foreign agents” that has been criticised by Western and domestic critics as Russian inspired. More than 5,000 demonstrators gathered outside Georgia’s Soviet-built parliament building on Monday in the capital, Tbilisi, …

Georgia lawmakers scuffle over a divisive bill that opponents say mimics Kremlin’s repressive law
8 months, 1 week ago

Georgia lawmakers scuffle over a divisive bill that opponents say mimics Kremlin’s repressive law

Associated Press  

TBILISI, Georgia — Lawmakers in Georgia’s legislature scuffled on Monday as the parliament debated a divisive new law dubbed the foreign agent bill. Opponents of the measure denounce it as “the Russian law” because of similar legislation used by Moscow to stigmatize independent news media and organizations seen as being at odds with the Kremlin. Those who oppose the measure …

Lawmakers brawl as Georgian Parliament considers ‘foreign agent’ bill
8 months, 1 week ago

Lawmakers brawl as Georgian Parliament considers ‘foreign agent’ bill

Al Jazeera  

Legislators debate bill requiring organisations that accept overseas funds to register as foreign agents or face fines. Lawmakers in Georgia have come to blows inside parliament as ruling party legislators appeared likely to advance a bill on “foreign agents” that has been criticised by Western countries and has caused protests at home as “pro-Russia”. Before a rally to protest the …

Protests called as Georgia revives controversial ‘foreign agents’ law
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Protests called as Georgia revives controversial ‘foreign agents’ law

Al Jazeera  

Pro-democracy groups have called for protests after Georgia’s governing party said it will revive the controversial “foreign agents law” that mass demonstrations forced it to drop last year. The governing Georgian Dream party said on Wednesday that it plans to make another bid to pass the legislation, which would require organisations that accept funding from abroad to register as “foreign …

Georgia drops foreign agents law after massive protests
1 year, 9 months ago

Georgia drops foreign agents law after massive protests

Associated Press  

TBILISI, Georgia — Georgia’s parliament voted Friday to drop a foreign agent registration bill after the legislation, which opponents warned could be used to stifle dissent and curtail media freedoms, prompted tens of thousands of protesters to swarm the capital this week. The proposed law would have required media and nongovernmental organizations that receive more than 20% of their funding …

Georgia’s parliament drops controversial ‘foreign agents’ bill
1 year, 9 months ago

Georgia’s parliament drops controversial ‘foreign agents’ bill

Al Jazeera  

Meanwhile, the Kremlin accuses Washington of stoking anti-Russian sentiment among the thousands who protested against the bill. Georgia’s parliament has dropped plans for a “foreign agents” bill that triggered a major domestic political crisis and threatened to derail the nation’s bid for closer ties with Europe. Al Jazeera’s Bernard Smith reporting from Tblisi said people were “very pleased” with the …

Georgia to drop foreign agents law after massive protests
1 year, 9 months ago

Georgia to drop foreign agents law after massive protests

Associated Press  

TBILISI, Georgia — Georgia’s governing party said Thursday it would withdraw draft legislation that opponents — and tens of thousands of protesters who swarmed the capital — warned could stifle dissent and curtail media freedoms, ushering in Russian-style repression. The bill would have required media and nongovernmental organizations that receive more than 20% of their funding from foreign sources to …

As Georgia withdraws ‘foreign agent bill’, a look at nations with similar laws
1 year, 9 months ago

As Georgia withdraws ‘foreign agent bill’, a look at nations with similar laws

Firstpost  

The Georgia bill would have required media and nongovernmental organisations that receive over 20 per cent of their funding from foreign sources to register as ‘agents of foreign influence’. Explained: The ‘Russia-like’ law that has sparked violent protests in Georgia Let’s take examine nations with similar laws: Russia According to CNN, Russia in 2012 passed the NGO Law on “Foreign …

Victory for Georgia protesters as government halts plan to bring in Putin-like authoritarian laws
1 year, 9 months ago

Victory for Georgia protesters as government halts plan to bring in Putin-like authoritarian laws

Daily Mail  

The ruling Georgian Dream party said it would 'unconditionally withdraw the bill' Protesters said the proposed bill was inspired by an authoritarian Russian law Georgia's ruling party said on Thursday it was dropping a controversial 'foreign agent' bill after two nights of furious protests against the law seen as reminiscent of Russian legislation used to silence critics. A man waves …

Georgian police disperse crowd protesting foreign agent law
1 year, 9 months ago

Georgian police disperse crowd protesting foreign agent law

Associated Press  

TBILISI, Georgia — Police in the capital of Georgia used water cannons and tear gas late Wednesday to disperse demonstrators around the parliament building protesting a draft law that they say could stifle media freedom and civil society. Lawmakers on Tuesday approved the first reading of the proposed law, which would require media and nongovernmental organizations that receive over 20% …

Georgia withdraws ‘foreign agents’ bill after days of protests
1 year, 9 months ago

Georgia withdraws ‘foreign agents’ bill after days of protests

Al Jazeera  

An EU delegation welcomed the decision to drop the controversial draft law and encouraged Georgia to resume reforms. Georgia’s governing party announced it is withdrawing a draft law from parliament criticised as potentially stifling media freedom and civil society after days of protests against it in the capital. The Georgian Dream party said in a statement on Thursday it would …

Discover Related