Georgian Protests Against Russian Law
Police Block Gatherings Outside Parliament Building
EU and US Voice Concerns About Freedom of Speech Restrictions
Police in Tbilisi, Georgia, blocked protesters from gathering outside the parliament building on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, to protest against a proposed law that would restrict independent news media and organizations.
The protests were sparked by a bill that would require non-governmental organizations and media outlets that receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as "foreign agents." Critics have labeled the bill the "Russian law," comparing it to legislation used by the Kremlin to crack down on dissent.
The demonstrators waved Georgian and EU flags as they gathered outside the parliament building. They demanded that the foreign agent law be withdrawn, arguing that it would stifle freedom of speech and dissent.
The Georgian Interior Ministry said in a statement that 14 protesters were detained during the demonstration. The protests continued on Wednesday, April 17, with protesters calling for the government to abandon the proposed law.
The protests have sparked concerns from the European Union and the United States, which have urged Georgia to respect freedom of speech and assembly.
The demonstrations come amid a growing row between Georgia and the EU over its proposed foreign agent bill. It is the second major standoff over perceived crackdowns on freedom of speech in the space of a year.
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