- Protests in Georgia continue over the passing of the "Russia law," a controversial foreign influence bill.
- The bill targets civil society organizations and independent media receiving foreign funding.
- Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze pledged to enact the bill into law.
Critics of the governing Georgian Dream party allege that the foreign influence bill dubbed the "Russia law," could potentially stifle dissent.
On Monday morning, Georgian Dream lawmakers swiftly passed the proposed legislation through a committee vote, approving it in just 67 seconds, as the final voting on the bill is scheduled for Tuesday. The bill, which targets civil society organizations and independent media receiving foreign funding, is now set to proceed to its third and final reading.
Protesters voiced concerns that the government could utilize the bill to suppress opponents and undermine Georgia's aspirations of joining the European Union. Throughout the night, tens of thousands of demonstrators occupied the area outside Tbilisi's parliament building, dancing despite the rain that fell during the dark hours.
As the sun rose on Monday, MPs from the governing party encountered shouts and chants of "slaves" and "Russians" upon their arrival ahead of the session. Police, equipped with shields and water cannons, were positioned to facilitate legislators' access to the parliament building. Online photos and footage seemed to depict violent clashes between protesters and police.
Russian state news reported that among the 20 people arrested at protests were two US citizens and one Russian, citing the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Protesters intend to persist with their noise during the parliamentary session, aiming to influence MPs to reconsider their support for the bill.
Critics of the bill argue that its measures mirror Russian legislation enacted in 2012, which they claim has been employed since then to suppress Kremlin critics.
The proposed law would compel non-governmental groups and media to register as "organizations serving the interest of a foreign power" if more than 20% of their funding originates from overseas.
Georgian Dream asserts that the measure aims to enhance transparency and safeguard Georgia's sovereignty.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze pledged that his party would effectively enact it into law, notwithstanding the extensive demonstrations that commenced nearly a month ago.
The country's opposition leaders have urged the UK to take further action against the bill, requesting that Foreign Secretary David Cameron publicly condemn it.
Last week, the US expressed deep concern over the treatment of protesters and demanded an independent investigation into reports of "harassment and physical assault".
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that the Georgian people aspire to a "European future" and urged legislators to "stay the course on the road to Europe".
In December, the EU bestowed candidate status upon Georgia but cautioned that the bill could imperil further advancement within the bloc.
Since 2012, Georgian Dream has held power, defeated a pro-Western government, and pledged to normalize relations with Russia.
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