During the dispersal of a rally against the foreign agents bill in Tbilisi, Georgian security forces were reported to have assaulted Levan Khabeishvili, a member of parliament and the chair of the United National Movement, which stands as Georgia’s largest opposition faction. The incident was documented by Mtavari Arkhi, a prominent Georgian television channel that has followed the protests closely and provided ongoing coverage as events unfolded. In the aftermath, the incident immediately drew attention to the escalating tensions surrounding the bill and the government’s approach to crowd management during demonstrations.
From a hospital setting, Khabeishvili released a video message directed at his supporters. He reaffirmed his commitment to opposing the bill, signaling that the opposition would maintain its stance and continue to press for changes to the proposed legislation. His message underscored the broader political struggle in Georgia at a moment when lawmakers were re-examining the foreign agents law for a second time, amid ongoing public protests and scrutiny from both domestic and international observers.
According to the politician’s attending medical team, Khabeishvili sustained a broken nose, with doctors advising hospitalization to monitor his condition and ensure proper care. The released imagery, including photographs published by Mtavari Arkhi, appeared to show swelling around his left eye, suggesting the force used during the dispersal. Reports from the hospital indicated that he was in need of surgical assessment, reflecting the seriousness of the injuries and the potential impact on his ability to participate in future political activities in the short term.
The broader context for these events includes statements from Georgian authorities about the measures taken to restore order at protests. The president, Salome Zurabishvili, spoke in the name of security forces, signaling a firm stance on crowd control and the government’s determination to pursue the law’s passage despite public demonstrations. This stance was seen by observers as part of a wider effort to address security concerns while navigating a deeply polarized political landscape that features vigorous opposition and citizen concerns about civil liberties, media freedom, and the role of foreign agents legislation in Georgia’s legal framework.
Legislative activity around the foreign agents law continued as Parliament prepared for a second reading and potential evaluation of the bill. Analysts noted that the process involved consultations, debates, and amendments aimed at clarifying definitions, scope, and enforcement mechanisms. The unfolding debate raised questions about transparency, the rights of individuals and organizations to operate without undue government interference, and the balance between national security concerns and democratic norms. Observers emphasized the importance of accountable governance, independent oversight, and timely communication from lawmakers to keep citizens informed about how the law would function in practice. The event sequence—protest, police action, medical updates, and parliamentary consideration—illustrated the high stakes in a political moment where public opinion is closely tied to perceptions of safety, rule of law, and the government’s responsiveness to dissent, all of which shape Georgia’s democratic trajectory. It remains essential for the public to monitor how authorities address injuries, ensure due process, and maintain proportionality in any use of force during demonstrations, while parliament proceeds with its constitutional duties to evaluate and refine controversial legislation. The ongoing situation highlights the interplay between political leadership, civil society, and the media in shaping the national conversation about security, liberty, and governance in Georgia.