In Tbilisi, a rally opposing the foreign agents bill drew a crowd near the parliament building, where security and medical teams reported that eight individuals sustained injuries during the May 1 demonstrations. The disclosure came from the Georgian Ministry of Health, which provided updates on the condition of those affected as the crowd remained engaged in advocacy and expression outside the legislative complex. The situation underscored the high tensions surrounding a controversial policy and the broader debate about Georgia’s political alignment with European institutions.
According to officials from the ministry, eight people were hurt during the protest along Rustaveli Avenue on May 1, with hospital authorities confirming that several participants received care for injuries sustained amid the events. At least one of the injured individuals was released after initial treatment, signaling a transition from urgent care to recuperation for some in the group. The updates highlight the immediate medical response and the attention given to those affected by the confrontation or crowd movement on the boulevard.
A short time later, reports indicated that police special forces deployed rubber bullets in the area around the parliament building, a measure that drew sharp scrutiny from observers and participants alike. The use of force in managing protests has long been a focal point for accountability and civil liberties, prompting questions about crowd control protocols and the protection of peaceful demonstrators during a period of political sensitivity in the city.
On May 1, Josep Borrell, the European Union’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, condemned the use of force against those voicing opposition to the foreign agents law in Georgia. He reiterated Georgia’s status as a candidate country for potential EU membership and urged Georgian authorities to guarantee the right to peaceful assembly and to pursue a transparent, lawful response to protests. The remarks by Borrell reflected ongoing EU concerns about governance, human rights, and the rule of law in the country as it pursues closer ties with European institutions.
Earlier the same day, a rally in Tbilisi against the foreign agents law resulted in the detention of a former minister of state, a development that highlighted the highly charged political climate surrounding the bill. Protests of this nature have become a recurring feature as sections of society seek answers about governance, transparency, and the future direction of Georgia’s political and legal framework.