On Thursday, Georgia police arrested 6 people amidst protests related to the country’s proposed “Foreign Agents” Bill. The country has seen an increase in police violence towards protesters, with Human Rights Watch (HRW) expressing its concerns.
The bill, officially titled “Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence”, is causing uproar among the population. The legislation requires any organization within the Georgian borders that derives more than a fifth of its income from international sources to register as a foreign agent. This legal move has incited numerous protests in the country since many perceive the bill as isolating Georgia on the global stage, possibly under direct influence from Russia.
HRW, as a key international watchdog, after speaking with several of the victims of the police attacks, has voiced severe concern over the escalating violence. Furthermore, the Georgian Special Investigation Service (SIS) is currently examining over 80 reports of violence perpetrated against protestors.
The controversy surrounding the bill has prompted significant upheaval within the Georgian political scene. Already, several officials have resigned, with Gocha Javakhishvili, the current ambassador to France, being the most notable one. The progression of the bill’s reading, alongside growing numbers at the protests, has led to HRW urging Georgia to respect the basic rights of its citizenry to assemble and protest.
Detractors of the bill argue that it would severely curtail the influence of foreign entities within Georgia. Media companies, in particular, may find it challenging to voice their perspectives under this new directive. Some critics interpret this as a means for the Georgian government to assert comprehensive control over discerning views by labeling them as foreign influence.
This development is particularly pertinent amidst the rising political tensions in the country. With figures such as Levan Khabeishvili, leader of the main opposition party, becoming the victims of beatings, there is a growing fear among the Georgian populace. This impending legislation, seen by many as a shift towards a hostile stand against the EU, comes at a time when Georgia’s ties with Europe have seen recent improvements.