Thousands of protesters took to the streets in the Georgian capital Tbilisi for the third consecutive day over dissatisfaction with the government. Protests began over a controversial bill, but the ruling party withdrew it after two days of demonstrations.
The law would allow organizations to be classified as foreign agents if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad. This label is used in Russia to silence journalists, activists and other critics. Opponents of the law feared it would undermine democracy. There were also fears that the legislation would hinder EU membership. Georgia wants to join the union.
Protesters waved the flags of Georgia, Ukraine and the European Union at the parliament in Tbilisi. They were congratulated on their victory by President Salome Zourabishvili. “I’m proud of the people who have made their voices heard,” he said in a televised address. He also said there is “distrust in the government as we continue on our European path”.
“As long as there are no guarantees that Georgia is following a pro-Western course, these processes will not stop”
“Pro-Western Course”
The opposition has called for fresh protests after the bill was withdrawn. “As long as there are no guarantees that Georgia is following a pro-Western course, these processes will not stop,” several opposition parties said in a joint statement. He also called for the release of protesters arrested on Tuesday and Wednesday. It has now happened, according to authorities. The first demonstrations resulted in clashes with the police, who used water cannons and tear gas.
Source: BNR
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