Georgia Protests Foreign Influence Bill
Today, tens of thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets of Tbilisi, Georgia's capital, in opposition to a contentious "foreign influence" legislation supported by the government.
Carrying Georgian and EU flags, they marched to Europe Square, denouncing the proposed law and its potential impact on civil society groups and independent media receiving foreign support.
Despite reported acts of intimidation, including threats and physical assaults against activists and opposition figures, the resilient protesters, undeterred by heavy rain, voiced their dissent against the bill reintroduced by the ruling Georgian Dream party nearly a month ago.
Critics, including opposition parties and the US, have likened the legislation to Russia's 2012 law targeting dissent, warning of threats to freedom of speech.
In neighbouring Russia, the law has since been used to marginalise voices challenging the Kremlin - including prominent cultural figures, media organisations and civil society groups.
Many Georgians in the rally do not want Russia's authoritarian-style leadership crossing into their country.
"We don't need to return to the Soviet Union," 38-year-old Georgian-language teacher Lela Tsiklauri, said.
"We are protecting our European future and our freedom," said another protester, Mariam Meunrgia, 39, who works for a German company.
The law, if passed, could harm Georgia's attempt to join the EU, which has given it candidate status.
On Friday, foreign ministers of Nordic and Baltic states issued a joint statement urging the government in Tbilisi to reconsider the bill
Last week, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the Georgian people want a "European future".
"Georgia is at a crossroads. It should stay the course on the road to Europe," she posted on X.
The Georgian Dream government has stood by the controversial bill, asserting that it will enhance transparency regarding foreign funding for NGOs.
Set to be enacted by mid-May, the legislation stipulates that any independent NGO or media outlet receiving over 20% of its funding from abroad must register as an entity serving the interests of a foreign power.
However, demonstrators are concerned that this could stifle dissenting voices ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections. Despite passing the second parliamentary stage with a vote of 83 to 23, the bill still requires a third reading and the signature of President Salome Zurabishvili, who has pledged to veto it.
Nevertheless, the ruling Georgian Dream party holds enough parliamentary support to override her veto. Similar measures were abandoned by Georgian Dream in 2023 following widespread street protests.
