Georgia withdraws controversial ‘foreign agents’ bill after two nights of violent protests
Georgia’s ruling party has withdrawn its ‘foreign agents’ bill after two nights of violent protests and criticism that it was inspired by a similar Russian law.
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“We unconditionally withdraw the bill we supported without any reservations,” the Georgian Dream party said in a statement.
What happened?
Demonstrators protesting the approval of the law on transparency of foreign influence in Georgia tried to besiege the parliament building and were dispersed by security forces using tear gas and water cannons.
The law stipulated that media and non-governmental organizations would be registered as “foreign agents” if more than 20 percent of their funding came from foreign sources.
Opponents argued that the law would distance the country from European Union membership.
