Thousands march in Georgia over foreign influence bill

Thousands march in Georgia over foreign influence bill

Thousands of Georgians flooded the streets of Tbilisi on Saturday evening to voice their opposition to a contentious “foreign influence” bill supported by the government.

Protesters converged on Europe Square in the capital, brandishing Georgian and EU flags while chanting slogans such as “no to the Russian law.”

The proposed legislation aims to target civil society organizations and independent media that receive funding from abroad.

For nearly a month, the Black Sea Caucasus nation has witnessed large-scale demonstrations following the reintroduction of the bill by the ruling Georgian Dream party.

Despite reports of intimidation tactics leading up to the rally, including threats and physical assaults against NGO workers, activists, and opposition figures, protesters defied the inclement weather and turned out in significant numbers.

Opposition parties argue that the bill, dubbed the “Russian law” due to similarities with legislation enacted in Russia in 2012, will be wielded by the government to suppress dissent.

The United States has voiced concerns that the bill could undermine freedom of speech.

In Russia, similar laws have been used to silence dissenting voices critical of the Kremlin, including notable cultural figures, media outlets, and civil society organizations.

Many participants in the rally expressed apprehension about adopting Russia’s authoritarian governance style in Georgia.

“We refuse to regress to the Soviet era,” remarked Lela Tsiklauri, a 38-year-old Georgian-language teacher.

“We are safeguarding our European aspirations and our liberty,” added Mariam Meunrgia, a 39-year-old protester employed by a German company.

If enacted, the legislation could jeopardize Georgia’s bid to join the European Union, a status for which it has been designated a candidate.

In a joint statement, foreign ministers from Nordic and Baltic states urged the Tbilisi government to reconsider the bill.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen underscored the desire of the Georgian people for a “European future” and emphasized the importance of Georgia remaining on the path toward Europe.

But the Georgian Dream government has defended the bill, saying it will “boost transparency” over NGOs’ foreign funding. It aims to sign the measure into law by mid-May.

If adopted, the law would require that any independent NGO and media organisation receiving more than 20% of its funding from abroad to register as an “organisation pursuing the interests of a foreign power”.

But the protesters fear it could be used to crush critical voices ahead of parliamentary elections later this year.

The bill cleared its second parliamentary stage by a margin of 83 votes to 23. After a third reading, it has to be signed by President Salome Zurabishvili, who has vowed to veto it – although Georgian Dream has sufficient numbers in parliament to overrule her.

In 2023, mass street protests forced Georgian Dream to drop plans for similar measures.