Protests in Georgia began on March 7 after parliament passed the first reading of a Russian draft law on “foreign agents.” The actions of the Georgian authorities were criticized by the EU countries, the United States, and representatives of the opposition. Against the backdrop of the approval of the document, clashes broke out between law enforcement officers and protesters under the parliament building.
The document was registered by members of the Power of the People movement. Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili promised that she would veto the law on “foreign agents”. However, the ruling party will have the opportunity to override the veto. The bill provides for the creation of a register of non-governmental organizations and mass media, which are financed by more than 20% from abroad.
The US Embassy in Georgia stated that “today is a black day for Georgian democracy.” The Parliament’s promotion of these Kremlin-inspired laws is incompatible with the clear desire of the people of Georgia for European integration and its democratic development, the embassy noted.
The US also notes that these bills raise questions about the ruling party’s commitment to Euro-Atlantic integration. The European Union says the bill contradicts at least two of the 12 recommendations for Georgia to become an EU candidate.
Source: Racurs
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