Protests and Detentions Outside Georgian Parliament Over Foreign Agents Bill
In Tbilisi, a line of police officers cordoned off the area around the Georgian parliament as protesters voiced strong opposition to a draft law on foreign agents. Reports from Sputnik Georgia indicate that the demonstrations were forcefully managed by law enforcement, with preliminary figures suggesting that three to five individuals were detained, and that arrests continued into the evening.
Witnesses described clashes near the rear entrance to the parliament building, where protesters reportedly hurled eggs at police vehicles and the building itself. The tense scene underscored the contentious nature of the bill, which aims to increase transparency around organizations receiving foreign funding and influence within the republic, including media and non-governmental groups. (citation: RIA Novosti)
During the day, deputies from the Georgian Parliament faced disruption as the session began discussing the draft law, which had already sparked a heated exchange among lawmakers and protesters. Some opposition MPs attempted to block the start of the debate, leading to a confrontation that spilled into the halls of the parliament. (citation: RIA Novosti)
The opposition’s stance centered on characterizing the measure as a control mechanism on civil society and media. Supporters of the initiative argued that greater transparency was essential to combat foreign influence and to safeguard national sovereignty. In the heated atmosphere, several deputies who disagreed with the approach found themselves at odds with the protesters, culminating in a physical scuffle that interrupted the session briefly. (citation: RIA Novosti)
Former President of Georgia Salome Zurabishvili commented on the potential impact of the proposal, arguing that if approved, the bill could foreclose or delay the passage of additional legislation aimed at regulating foreign influence in the republic. Her remarks added another layer to the ongoing debate about how to balance national security concerns with freedoms of association and information. (citation: Sputnik Georgia)
As events developed, law enforcement officials urged restraint while continuing to manage crowds outside the parliamentary compound. The incident highlighted the polarization surrounding the foreign agents bill and drew attention to the broader political tensions shaping Georgia’s domestic politics. Observers noted that the outcome of the parliamentary procedure would likely influence the country’s path toward European integration, while also fueling discussions about media independence and civil society operations under heightened scrutiny. (citation: Sputnik Georgia)
Analysts cautioned that this episode could serve as a test of Georgia’s political institutions and their capacity to navigate protests without compromising democratic norms. The involvement of both pro-government and opposition voices in the debate underscored the ongoing struggle over how Georgia should address external influence while preserving the rights of its citizens to organize, express opinions, and participate in the legislative process. (citation: RIA Novosti)