The bill required Georgian organizations that receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as “foreign agents” or face fines.
Georgia’s ruling party said Thursday it was withdrawing a “foreign agent” bill after two nights of violent protests against it, amid criticism that the plan was Russian-inspired and signaled authoritarian change.
The ruling Georgian Dream party said in a statement that it “will unconditionally withdraw the bill we supported without any reservations.” He cited the need to reduce “confrontation” in society.
The bill would require Georgian organizations that receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as “foreign agents” or face fines.
Parliament approved it in principle on Tuesday, but tens of thousands of protesters later gathered outside Parliament.
Yesterday, thousands of people took part in massive demonstrations in the capital for the second consecutive day, protesting against this bill, which according to its critics, signals a shift towards totalitarianism in the country.
It is reported that protesters in Tbilisi were forced out of the central Rustaveli Avenue by special forces.
We stand with the people of Georgia in their fight for freedom. pic.twitter.com/g6hvnbHPdU
— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) March 8, 2023
Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds after several hours of mostly peaceful protest.
Source :Skai
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