Two U.S. citizens and one Russian were among 20 individuals detained during protests in Tbilisi surrounding a “foreign agents” bill being debated by Georgian lawmakers. The protesters, who were opposing the bill, attempted to prevent lawmakers from entering parliament by staging an all-night protest outside the building. Despite their efforts, lawmakers were able to access the building where the judiciary committee quickly approved the legislation in a one-minute session. The full assembly is expected to debate and approve the bill on its third and final reading as soon as Tuesday.
The U.S. embassy and Russia’s diplomatic representatives in Georgia have not provided immediate comments on the detention of their citizens. The Russian government does not currently have an embassy in Georgia due to disputes over breakaway regions. The detained U.S. national was born in 1995, but further details have not been provided. Demonstrators waved Georgian flags during the opposition protest, which took place in the center of Tbilisi where some scuffles with the police were reported.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has expressed determination to move forward with the bill despite facing significant opposition. The legislation has led to some of the largest protests in Georgia since its independence from Moscow in 1991. Western countries and Georgia’s opposition have criticized the bill as authoritarian and Russian-inspired, drawing comparisons to Russia’s own “foreign agent” law. The bill requires organizations that receive over 20% of their funding from foreign sources to register as agents of foreign influence or face fines.
The ruling party in Georgia argues that the “foreign agents” bill is necessary to increase transparency in NGO funding and protect the country from external interference. The bill has become a focal point for the country’s future direction, with implications for its relations with the West and potential membership in the European Union and NATO. The outcome of the dispute over the bill could determine whether Georgia strengthens its ties with the West or shifts towards closer relations with Russia.
The ongoing political crisis in Georgia, sparked by the “foreign agents” bill, has drawn international attention and raised concerns about democratic freedoms in the country. Critics of the legislation fear it could be used to restrict civil society organizations and limit political opposition. The push for the bill has faced strong opposition from both within Georgia and from Western countries, highlighting the broader implications of the legislation for the country’s future trajectory.
As tensions continue to escalate over the bill and protests persist in Tbilisi, the outcome of the legislative process will have far-reaching consequences for Georgia’s democracy and its international relations. The fierce backlash against the bill reflects the deep divisions within Georgian society and the complex geopolitical dynamics at play. The standoff between the government and its critics underscores the challenges facing Georgia as it navigates its path forward amidst competing influences and interests.
