Georgia officials announced on Wednesday that they had arrested 63 individuals during a late-night rally. The demonstrators were taken into custody after the police discharged tear gas and rubber bullets at thousands of pro-EU protesters who were expressing their opposition to a contentious “foreign influence” bill.
Anti-government protests have engulfed the Caucasus nation since April 9, sparked by the ruling Georgian Dream party’s move to reintroduce a controversial law. This law has been criticized by Brussels for undermining Tbilisi’s aspirations to join the European Union.
Ahead of the parliamentary elections in October, which are widely viewed as a crucial test of Georgia’s democracy, the country is currently experiencing a period of turmoil. Detractors of the proposed “foreign influence” bill argue that it bears striking similarities to Russian legislation that has been used to stifle opposition and suppress dissenting voices.
During the peaceful rally on Tuesday evening, an AFP reporter witnessed the forceful intervention of masked riot police. They resorted to the use of tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannon, while also engaging in physical violence, beating demonstrators and making numerous arrests.
During the protests, journalists faced physical violence, with one incident involving an AFP photographer who was assaulted with a rubber baton, even though he had clearly identified himself as a member of the press.
Lawmaker Levan Khabeishvili, who serves as the chairman of the main opposition party United National Movement, led by the imprisoned former president Mikheil Saakashvili, was subjected to a severe physical assault that left him badly injured. As a result, he had to seek immediate medical attention to address his injuries.
Sophia Japaridze, a close associate of Saakashvili, claimed that she had been subjected to brutal police violence.
Georgia’s President Salome Zurabishvili, who is currently at odds with the ruling party, issued a statement calling on the interior minister to put an immediate halt to the crackdown on the peaceful rally. She specifically condemned the use of disproportionate force and violence against unarmed youth.
Protesters, refusing to back down, continued their rally well into the night, facing water cannon jets and tear gas with unwavering determination.
Protesters disrupted the flow of traffic outside the parliament building on Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi’s busiest street, as well as on various other important roads throughout the city.
Protesters set up barriers outside the parliament building in the early hours of Wednesday, following the departure of riot police from the area. The demonstration concluded by 10:00 a.m. (0600 GMT), with plans to reconvene in the evening.
According to the interior ministry, 63 protesters were taken into custody for “disobeying police and engaging in petty hooliganism.”
The police stated that they used “legitimate force” in response to the protest becoming violent and demonstrators engaging in a verbal and physical confrontation with law enforcement.
– ‘Russian law’ –
Georgia’s rights ombudsman, Levan Ioseliani, has urged for a thorough investigation into the use of excessive force against both protesters and journalists.
“We see their fear because they witness our unwavering determination,” explained 21-year-old protester Natia Gabisonia. “We refuse to stand by as this Russian law is passed, and we won’t allow our European aspirations to be buried.”
The draft law will be debated by MPs on Wednesday, with the ruling party intending to adopt it in mid-May.
The bill is currently in its second reading and must go through three readings in parliament before receiving a presidential signature to become law. It is anticipated that the president will veto the measure, but the ruling party holds enough seats in parliament to override the veto.
If the law is approved, any independent NGO and media organization that receives more than 20 percent of its funding from abroad will be required to register as an “organization pursuing the interests of a foreign power.”
– EU criticism –
According to Charles Michel, the EU chief, the bill does not align with Georgia’s aspirations of becoming an EU member. He believes that the bill will actually distance Georgia from the EU rather than bringing it closer.
On Monday, thousands of people were transported by Georgian Dream to the capital for a counter rally. This event took place in response to reports of government employees being compelled to attend.
Billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, widely believed to be the main power in Georgia, made a rare public appearance as he addressed the crowd.
According to him, the objective of the bill is to enhance the transparency of foreign funding for civil groups. He believes that the non-transparent funding of NGOs is the primary means through which a foreign entity can manipulate the appointment of a Georgian government.
Mass street protests last year compelled Georgian Dream to abandon the measure.
Georgia has been actively seeking to strengthen its relations with the West for several years. However, the current ruling party has faced accusations of attempting to bring the former Soviet republic closer to Russia.
In December, the European Union bestowed official candidate status upon Georgia. However, the EU also outlined several requirements that Georgia must fulfill before formal membership talks can commence. These requirements include the need to reform its judicial and electoral systems, address political polarization, enhance press freedom, and reduce the influence of oligarchs.
Georgia’s constitution includes a provision that outlines its desire to become a member of the European Union and NATO. Surveys indicate that this aspiration is backed by over 80 percent of the country’s population.
