In a statement, the ruling party, Georgian Dream, said it would withdraw the bill “unconditionally and without any reservations”. This is in order to reduce the ‘comparison’ in society.
disturbances
Thousands of protesters demonstrated against the legislation, which was seen as an authoritarian move and could have undermined Tbilisi’s efforts to join the EU. Yesterday hundreds of police officers clashed with protesters in the capital Tbilisi. Police used tear gas and water cannons, over 60 protesters were arrested in front of the Tbilisi parliament.
Controversial
Earlier thousands of people took to the streets to protest against the controversial bill. This meant that organizations that obtain more than 20% of their funding from abroad had to register as “foreign agents” and pay hefty fines. The legislation is supported by the ruling Georgian Dream party. The bill is very similar to a 2012 Russian law that says Moscow makes life difficult for Western-funded NGOs and media.
“There is not a single Ukrainian who does not wish success to our friend Georgia”
Zelensky
Last night, Ukrainian President Zelensky cheered protesters when he called for a “democratic success” in Georgia. “There is not a single Ukrainian who does not wish our friend Georgia success. Democratic success. European success. We want to be in the European Union and we will be there. We want Georgia to join the European Union, and I am sure it will. We want Moldova to join the European Union and I am sure it will. All the free nations of Europe deserve it.’
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