Georgian police today used violence against demonstrators in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, where thousands of people had gathered for a third week to protest against a controversial bill.

Riot police intervened without warning, using tear gas, rubber bullets and water pumps, beating and arresting dozens of people, according to an AFP reporter.

An eyewitness told Reuters he saw police firing tear gas without warning and carrying water pumps.

Police repeatedly beat protesters, who threw eggs and bottles in response.

Earlier tonight, protesters gathered outside parliament to demonstrate against the “foreign influence” bill, which the opposition and Western nations denounce as repressive and authoritarian.

Brussels has said the bill jeopardizes the prospect of Georgia, a former Soviet republic in the Caucasus, becoming a member of the European Union.

Since April 9, the ruling party, Georgian Dream, has been trying to pass this bill, after a failed attempt in the spring of 2023 in the face of mass protests.

According to its critics, the bill is inspired by Russia’s “foreign agents” law used to crack down on dissidents.

Georgian MPs debated the bill in second reading today. The ruling party hopes to pass the bill by mid-May.

“They are afraid because they see our determination,” 21-year-old protester Natia Gabisonia told AFP outside Parliament. “We will not let them pass this Russian law and bury our European future,” he added.

Demonstrations were also held in Georgia’s second-largest city, Batumi, and in Kutaisi, according to independent media outlet Formula TV.

Yesterday, thousands of people took part in a counter-demonstration organized in front of the parliament by Georgian Dream.

European Council President Charles Michel said the bill was inconsistent with Georgia’s desire to join the European Union.

In December, the EU granted Georgia the status of an official candidate country for EU membership, while warning it that it needs to reform mainly its judicial and electoral systems, strengthen press freedom and limit the power of the oligarchs, before the negotiations for its accession officially began.