Official government statements or major news outlets

500,000 Protest in Georgia Against 'Foreign Agents' Law Amid U.S. Sanctions Threat

May 12, 2024, 12:11 PM

Georgia is currently experiencing significant political unrest due to the introduction of a controversial 'foreign agents' law, which has been compared to Russian legislation and is perceived as a threat to democracy and Euro-Atlantic aspirations. The law has sparked widespread protests in Tbilisi, with approximately 500,000 citizens demonstrating against what they see as an attempt by the government, influenced by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, to align more closely with Russian interests rather than those of the European Union. The U.S. has expressed deep concern over the democratic backsliding in Georgia, and there have been threats of sanctions from the U.S. Congress if the law is not withdrawn. The situation remains tense as the government appears determined to pass the bill, despite the massive protests and international criticism.