 "Georgia adopts controversial 'foreign agents' law amid protests")
Amid widespread condemnation from critics who view it as a Kremlin-inspired move to stifle civil society, Georgia’s parliament has passed a “foreign agents” law. Despite ongoing protests that have mobilised hundreds of thousands in Tbilisi, a majority of MPs endorsed the bill during Tuesday’s vote.
Recent demonstrations have seen allegations of police brutality against protesters gathered outside parliament, with tensions escalating as violence spilled into the chamber. In one incident, a member of the ruling Georgian Dream party had to be restrained by security personnel after a confrontation with the leader of the main opposition, Levan Khabeishvili.
The newly passed legislation mandates that media and civil society organisations in Georgia receiving over 20% of their funding from abroad must register as “organisations serving the interests of a foreign power.”
Drawing comparisons to similar laws enacted in Russia under Vladimir Putin’s leadership in 2012, critics argue that such measures are designed to silence dissenting voices.
In response to the bill, the US State Department has labeled it “Kremlin-inspired,” expressing concerns over its potential impact on freedom of expression. Georgia’s Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, met with US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, Jim O’Brien, to address Washington’s apprehensions.
The Prime Minister stressed the necessity of the law for ensuring transparency while committing to considering international feedback during the veto process.
Despite President Salome Zourabichvili’s intention to veto the legislation, the ruling party possesses sufficient parliamentary support to override her decision. The government asserts that the law aims solely to promote transparency, dismissing allegations of broader censorship.
 "Ahead of Alaska meet, Trump warns Putin faces 'severe consequences' if he says no to the ceasefire")
 "Trump seeks longer control over Washington DC police, signals plans to target other cities")
 "Weakened Typhoon Podul makes landfall in China after wreaking havoc in Taiwan")
 "'Not a single policymaking person who knows Russia,Ukraine' as Trump heads for talks with Putin")
 "Ahead of Alaska meet, Trump warns Putin faces 'severe consequences' if he says no to the ceasefire")
 "Trump seeks longer control over Washington DC police, signals plans to target other cities")
 "Weakened Typhoon Podul makes landfall in China after wreaking havoc in Taiwan")
 "'Not a single policymaking person who knows Russia,Ukraine' as Trump heads for talks with Putin")
