Tear gas, water cannons and more: Georgia rocked by 'foreign agent bill'
Riot police in Georgia fired tear gas and water cannons on the public who had gathered to protest against the controversial ‘foreign agent’ bill. Protesters argue that this legislation is draconian and moves the country away from democratic norms
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Protesters barricade the entrance of Parliament during a rally to protest against a bill on "foreign agents", in Tbilisi on 2 May. Demonstrators have been protesting against a new legislation under which nongovernmental organisations, campaign groups and media platforms who receive at least 20 per cent of funding from abroad will be labelled as 'foreign agents' and put them under close scrutiny by Georgia’s Justice Ministry. Reuters
As demonstrators gathered on the streets to protest the bill, the security forces used water cannon, tear gas and stun grenades. Reuters
Protesters regrouped, with some lighting a bonfire while others attempted to barricade key roads. Reuters
Georgia has been rocked by weeks of protests over the issue. And on Wednesday, 11 people, including six police officers, received hospital treatment after the altercations, according to Georgia’s health ministry. Reuters
Demonstrators hold a flag of Georgia as they protest outside the Georgian parliament during the rally against the controversial bill. The European Union has warned that this piece of legislation would undermine Georgia's European aspirations. AFP
A demonstrator makes a heart-shaped gesture while standing in front of a police cordon during a rally to protest against a bill on "foreign agents" in Tbilisi. The governing Georgian Dream party argues the bill will "boost transparency" of foreign funding, but protesters fear it could be used to crush critical voices ahead of parliamentary elections later this year. Reuters
A protester assists another during a rally against a bill on "foreign agents", in Tbilisi. Reuters