After a parliamentary storm in the United States and Brazil, the Georgian parliament in Tbilisi was the target of an attack by protesters on Tuesday evening. Protests have been taking place in Georgia for days over a so-called “Russia law” that was passed by parliament on Tuesday. Protesters fear that the law will ensure that the link with the European Union will be even more hidden.
The highly controversial law is meant to prevent interference from other countries. Organizations financed more than 20% from abroad are therefore considered “foreign agents”. The law also applies to specific people. However, opponents fear the law could ensure that critics are silenced. Organizations receiving the “foreign agent” label can be fined. A similar law was also introduced in Russia in 2012 and is being used continuously against Putin’s opposition and the war in Ukraine.
Although the law counted on the support of the governing parties in parliament, the dislike in society is great. Thousands of Georgians demonstrated against the law in recent days, displaying flags of Europe and Ukraine, among others. The protesters were stopped by riot police and opponents of the law were also prevented from entering parliament.
Georgia wants EU membership
In Georgia, according to a survey by the National Democratic Institute, more than 75% of the population is in favor of joining the EU. However, the government is seen to be trying to hamper the chances of membership by introducing laws that make EU membership impossible. Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili has already warned ruling parties that she intends to veto the bill if it passes over her desk. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borell called the introduction of the law a “very negative development”.
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Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
