Police in Tbilisi fired tear gas and water cannons at protesters gathered outside Georgia's parliament on May 1 after a controversial "foreign agent" bill advanced in its second reading. The bill has fueled weeks of demonstrations and warnings from Brussels it could jeopardize Georgia's EU hopes.
Police In Georgia Use Tear Gas, Water Cannons To Disperse Protesters Outside Of Parliament
Georgian police used water cannons, tear gas, and batons against demonstrators in the nation's capital, Tbilisi, on May 1 after the legislature advanced a controversial "foreign agent" law. The bill had already fueled weeks of demonstrations, prompting a warning from Brussels that it could jeopardize Georgia's aspirations of joining the European Union.
Protesters help an injured man during a rally in Tbilisi.
At least 11 people, including six police officers, were receiving hospital treatment after being injured, according to Georgia's Health Ministry.
A protester showed a Current Time cameraman what appeared to be rubber projectiles that were allegedly fired during the May 1 demonstration in Tbilisi. Current Time is the Russian-language TV and digital network led by RFE/RL in partnership with VOA.
Drone footage captured by RFE/RL's Georgian Service shows the massive scale of the latest protests in Tbilisi overnight on May 1.
A protester draped in a Georgian flag shouts in front of a police cordon.
The protests were a continuation of several weeks of rallies led by opposition parties and activist groups against the parliament’s advancement of the controversial draft law, which was passed in a first reading on April 17.
In a statement, the U.S. State Department condemned the violence against protesters and the lawmakers' vote, calling it "anti-Western."
The government withdrew the bill introduced last year due to widespread protests against the proposal. The law would require organizations with foreign funding to register their activities, give the authorities broad oversight powers, and allow criminal penalties for vague infractions.
The ruling Georgian Dream party announced its plans to reintroduce the bill after a previous version was dropped in 2023. This new version omits the phrase "foreign agent."
A protester reacts as water cannons and tear gas are sprayed into the crowd.
A man draped in an EU flag carries an injured protester.
Supporters of the bill say it mirrors similar U.S. legislation and promotes transparency. Opponents say the proposed legislation would stifle dissent and silence independent media. They have compared it to similar legislation in Russia, which is why many call it the "Russian law."
The final reading of the bill is scheduled to be debated on May 17. Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili told media that she would veto it if it’s approved in its final reading. However, she also said the ruling Georgian Dream party has enough lawmakers to override her decision if she does so.