Official legislative records or major news outlets reporting on the legislative session

50,000 Protest in Tbilisi Against 'Foreign Agents' Bill Amid Police Brutality

May 12, 2024, 05:13 PM

In Tbilisi, Georgia, approximately 50,000 demonstrators have erupted in protest against the controversial 'foreign agents' bill, which critics argue aligns with Russian interests and could undermine the nation's democratic values. The protesters, chanting 'yes to the EU, no to Russia' and playing the EU anthem, are expressing a strong desire to align with the European Union rather than Russia. The U.S. has expressed deep concern over the bill, describing it as reminiscent of Kremlin-style laws that suppress civil society. Despite widespread opposition and significant public demonstrations, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has announced that the government will proceed with the legislation, with the bill's third reading scheduled for next week. The protests have been marked by instances of police brutality, with reports of beatings and arrests as authorities attempt to quell the dissent.