Tens of thousands of civilian protesters took to the streets in its capital this evening Georgiato once again protest against the government’s controversial “foreign agents” bill, a bill that has been criticized by the US and the European Union.

In the crowd gathered at Europe Squareprotesters held flags of Georgia and the European Union.

The Caucasus country has been facing anti-government protests since early April after the ruling party, Georgian Dream, reintroduced the bill seen as an obstacle to Georgia’s ambitions to join the EU.

The bill, which stipulates that organizations that receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad will be labeled as foreign agents, has led to massive protests in the country by protesters who see it as authoritarian and Russian-inspired. The government argues for its part that this measure is intended to force organizations to demonstrate greater “transparency” regarding their funding.

Tonight in the center of it Tbilisi, crowds gathered after sunset to demonstrate against the bill, with a heavy police force deployed earlier. “No to Russian legislation!”, “No to Russian dictatorship”, chanted protesters.

The bill still needs third reading approval by the president Salome Zourabisvili, which is in conflict with the ruling party, is expected to veto it. The Georgian Dream, however, has enough votes to pass it.

The European Union has condemned the bill, saying its passage could jeopardize Georgia’s bid to join the bloc.

In December 2023, the EU granted Georgia official candidate status, but said Tbilisi must reform its judicial and electoral systems, increase press freedom and curb the power of oligarchs before formal negotiations can begin. Integration.