In Tbilisi, a sequence of demonstrations outside parliament culminated in at least sixty-six arrests as thousands gathered to voice their opposition to a proposed law known as the foreign agents act. The protests, captured in multiple recordings, unfolded on a day of heightened tension, with security forces reporting injuries among law enforcement personnel and identifying the demonstrators as opponents of the government. The events underscore a broader clash over civil freedoms and the government’s approach to dissent in the capital.
Officials described the gatherings as public disorder and disobedience directed at authorities for failing to adhere to the directives issued by the units deployed to manage the protests. The characterization of the demonstrations as disruptive has been used to justify administrative actions against those involved, with authorities stating that some participants crossed from peaceful protest into actions deemed violent or disruptive.
Accounts from Mtavari television indicate that individuals detained during the incidents were brought to court as part of ongoing administrative proceedings. The Ministry of Interior announced that it had opened an inquiry into the disturbances and the alleged incitement of violence, referencing provisions within the Criminal Code. The ministry added that legal counsel would be offered to those charged as the case moves through the judicial process.
The government spokesperson emphasized that the authorities would respond within the legal framework to maintain public order, pointing out that medical attention had been provided to those who suffered injuries during the events. The statement highlighted the administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law while ensuring the safety of both participants and bystanders.
Protesters numbered in the thousands, rallying in opposition to the bill that would create a national registry of organizations, media outlets, and groups receiving support from foreign sources. Critics argue that the proposed measure mirrors repressive policies often associated with other states and would potentially infringe on fundamental freedoms, including association, expression, and the flow of information. Many observers and participants view the draft law as a threat to a free civil society, warning that it could chill investigative journalism and independent activism. The public discourse around the bill has intensified, drawing comparisons to broader geopolitical tensions and prompting urgent debates about transparency, accountability, and the limits of government oversight over civil society organizations.