On May 13, 2024, in Tbilisi, Georgia, police forces participated in a protest against the foreign agents law, in which 20 people were detained, including two Americans and a Russian citizen.
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Thousands of people took to the streets of Georgia’s capital on Monday as part of a last-ditch effort to stop the country’s government from passing a controversial “bill”.kremlin style“Foreign Influence Act.
In fresh scenes of violence over the proposed bill, hundreds of masked police clashed with protesters outside the Georgian parliament in Tbilisi as some demonstrators tried to prevent lawmakers from entering the building.
georgia interior ministry explain Monday’s one Two U.S. citizens and one Russian citizen was one of 20 people detained at the rally.
Additionally, the Georgia Bureau of Special Investigations explain It has launched an investigation into allegations that law enforcement officers used “excessive force” against protesters. Security personnel have since evacuated the main square.
The Foreign Influence Act requires media outlets, nonprofits and other non-governmental organizations to register as “pursuing the interests of foreign powers” if more than 20% of their funding comes from abroad.
Russia, which occupies about 20% of Georgia’s internationally recognized territory, has used similar legislation to crack down on independent news media and activists critical of the Kremlin.
On May 13, 2024, 20 people, including two Americans and a Russian citizen, were detained during a protest against the foreign agents law in Tbilisi, Georgia.
Darrow Surakori | Getty Images News | Getty Images
The country’s opposition lawmakers condemned the bill, which critics said could harm Georgia’s chances of joining the European Union.
White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan explain Over the weekend, the United States was “deeply alarmed” by Georgia’s democratic backsliding.
Sullivan posted on social media platform Human law.
Demonstrators protest against the controversial “foreign influence” bill near the parliament in Tbilisi on May 13, 2024. New protests have been launched over the country’s “foreign agents” bill, despite warnings from government officials against arrests.
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Georgia’s ruling government insists it will move forward with the bill, despite the country’s biggest protests since it declared independence from the Soviet Union more than three decades ago.
Protesters on Monday, some of whom had been demonstrating since Sunday night, were seen clashing with riot police over the proposed bill.
Some protesters waved Georgian and European Union flags, while others held signs that read “Hands off my future.”
A final vote on the bill is scheduled for Tuesday.
On May 12, 2024, in Tbilisi, Georgia, a demonstrator held a placard to protest against the Foreign Agents Act in front of the Georgian Parliament Building.
Niccolò Vincenzo Marvestuto | Niccolò Vincenzo Marvestuto Getty Images News | Getty Images
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