Protests in Georgia: Demonstrators Injured Against Foreign Influence Transparency Bill

During the ongoing protests against the draft law on “Transparency of Foreign Influence” in Georgia, which is claimed to restrict freedom of expression and suppress civil society organizations, 8 protesters were injured and 2 people were detained.

Incidents and Arrests

Protests against the draft law on “Transparency of Foreign Influence” in Georgia, which have been ongoing since April 15, are intensifying. Reacting to the draft law, which is criticized for restricting freedom of expression and suppressing civil society organizations, a protest demonstration was held in front of the parliament building in Tbilisi again yesterday. Protesters trying to break into the parliament building clashed with the police. In the events where the police intervened with tear gas, sound bombs, and water cannons, 8 people were injured. 2 individuals who insulted the police were detained.

Injured and Aid Efforts

In a statement by the Emergency Coordination and Emergency Aid Center, it was reported that some of the injured had wounds on their faces, heads, and various parts of their bodies, while some were taken to the hospital due to poisoning and respiratory distress. The statement used expressions such as, “20 Emergency Coordination and Emergency Aid Brigades were sent to the area where the protest took place. Medical assistance was provided on-site to dozens of citizens, including a law enforcement officer.”

Approval of the Draft Law

In the vote held in the Georgian Parliament yesterday, the draft law was approved in the second reading with 83 votes in favor and 23 against. After being approved following the third reading, it will be sent for the approval of the President. Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili had stated that she would veto the draft law.

Draft Law and Protests

The draft law on “Transparency of Foreign Influence” was presented to the Georgian Parliament in March 2023 by the People’s Power Party close to the government. The draft law obliges civil society and media organizations receiving more than 20% of their annual funding from abroad to register as “foreign agents.” Those who fail to register will be fined 25,000 lari (approximately 300,000 lira).