TBILISI -- International media and human rights organizations have appealed to Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze to withdraw a draft law on "foreign agents" and to ensure the safety of journalists and protect the freedom of the press in Georgia.
Weeks of protests against what critics call "the Russian law" -- legislation pushed by the ruling Georgian Dream party, despite widespread anger from much of the country and criticism abroad -- have been met with tough police actions to disperse crowds, while roving bands of thugs have targeted demonstrators.
In a joint letter issued on May 10, the 18 media and rights organizations, including the International Press Institute, said the proposed legislation, which recently passed in its second reading in parliament, "provides the authorities with a powerful tool to discredit, pressure, and eventually silence independent voices, thereby threatening press freedom and freedom of expression."
The groups noted the proposed legislation would not only force independent media and NGOs to be labelled as “organizations pursuing the interests of foreign powers,” but would also empower the Georgian Justice Ministry to conduct probes of these organizations "solely on the basis of a written application alleging ties to a 'foreign power.'"
The appeal was issued after seven people were reportedly detained late on May 9 as they took part in a march on Ilia Chavchavadze Avenue in downtown Tbilisi after Ucha Abashidze, a military expert, blogger, and activist, was arrested at his home in the capital, accused of illegally purchasing and storing weapons.
One of the participants, Tina Vashakidze, told RFE/RL that at least seven people were detained. The Interior Ministry, despite numerous attempts by RFE/RL to obtain an official statement, did not reveal the number of detainees.
Vashakidze, who was detained and then released a few hours later, told RFE/RL she was physically abused during her arrest.
"An elderly man fell on Chavchavadze and my friend and I went to help him. He fell and the police grabbed him. As soon as we bent down, they threw us all to the ground, and seven police officers kicked us in the head and sides. My friend and I were shoved into a vehicle, where I was grabbed by the hair and kicked by their chief. When I asked for a doctor or an ambulance, they kicked me out of the vehicle, just with my phone and without money," Vashakidze said.
WATCH: Several Georgian opposition figures were severely beaten on May 8 amid a government crackdown on mass demonstrations over a controversial bill affecting organizations that receive international funding.
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Violent Attacks Leave Opponents Of Georgian 'Foreign Agent' Bill Bloodied, Bruised, And Defiant
Other detainees were taken to the main building of the Interior Ministry, she said.
Separately, film critic and TV presenter Levan Abdushelishvili said he was released by the police and taken to a clinic for a medical examination.
"I'm fine, my friends, I'm in an ambulance and I'm being taken to the Ingoroqva clinic. I was hit in the head by a security guard," he wrote on Facebook after leaving the police station.
RFE/RL identified a third detainee as Niniko Shengelaya, a young woman who was treated brutally by police and was photographed by journalist Mari Nikuradze as she was detained.
According to reports by her friends, Shengelaya also left the police station a few hours after his arrest.
Separately, three members of Georgian opposition parties were attacked and beaten up by unidentified men. The three are Boris (Chele) Kurua, a member of the Girchi-More Freedom party; Nodar Chachanidze from the United National Movement (UNM); and Georgy Mumladze, also from UNM.
In another incident, a member of the Akhali political association, Georgiy Oniani, reported that unidentified people tried to break into his house, where his 14-year-old son was alone at the time.
The latest attacks came a day after Georgia's Interior Ministry said an investigation had been opened into the assault of three other protesters -- one of whom is an opposition politician -- during a rally against the law in Tbilisi late on May 8.
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Protests Against 'Foreign Agent' Bill Continue Across Georgia
The three are international relations specialist Gia Japaridze, activist Lasha Gvinianidze, and UNM member Dimitri Chikovani.
On May 9, police also announced that six protesters had been detained for alleged public disturbance offenses.
In Washington, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said the United States was deeply troubled by actions taken against those protesting the draft law.
"We are aware of increased reports of harassment and physical assault of civil society and opposition activists and journalists. We condemn this and we call for a full, independent, and timely investigation," Miller said May 9.
Miller said Washington had enjoyed a successful partnership with Georgia for more than 30 years and would like that to continue.
"There is still time to work collaboratively with Georgia, but the Georgian government needs to change course for that to be the case," he said.
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Amid Crackdown, EU Ambassador Calls On Georgia To Stay On European Course
In an indication of dissent inside the Georgian government, the country's ambassador to France, Gotcha Javakhishvili, resigned in protest against the so-called “foreign agent” bill, becoming the first senior official to do so.
In a posting on Facebook on May 9, Javakhishvili said the proposed legislation, which has passed on two readings in parliament already, would steer Georgia away from further integration within Europe.
"I no longer see my role and resources in this direction: the move towards Europe," Javakhishvili said.
The legislation is expected to face a third and final reading that could come as early as May 13, with Georgian Dream and its allies seemingly in control of enough votes to carry the bill and potentially override a veto that has been promised by President Salome Zurabishvili.
The controversial bill says media outlets, NGOs, and other nonprofits must register as "pursuing the interests of a foreign power" if more than 20 percent of their funding comes from abroad.
The government insists the law is in line with EU standards and is only intended to increase "transparency" and prevent "harmful foreign influence" in the country's political scene.
Human Rights Watch rejected that stance on May 9, saying it threatens fundamental rights in the country.
“Georgian parliamentarians and government officials formally defend the bill as providing transparency, but they make no secret of its intended purpose,” said Hugh Williamson, the rights watchdog's Europe and Central Asia director.
“By labeling independent groups and media as serving foreign interests, they intend to marginalize and stifle critical voices in the country that are fundamental for any functioning democracy.”