In a significant display of civil unrest, tens of thousands of Georgians have taken to the streets of Tbilisi to protest against a proposed law that many believe threatens press freedom and civil liberties. The proposed foreign agents law has ignited a political crisis, with fears that it will mirror laws used by Vladimir Putin to suppress the media in Russia. The passage of this bill could hamper Georgia's aspirations to join the European Union.
The protests began in the early hours of the morning, with security forces moving quickly through the city's streets and parks. Protesters were forcefully contained, leading to tense scenes as crowds thinned out. A woman was reportedly pinned to a post due to crowd pressure. Protesters had gathered around the Parliament building with the intention of preventing MPs from voting on the controversial laws. Many believe that these laws could lead Georgia towards dictatorship and more under the influence of Moscow.
Despite the peaceful nature of the protests, the police response has been anything but. Security forces were reported to have aggressively intervened in the crowd, with one man allegedly detained and assaulted. Despite these clashes, the protesters remain determined, their numbers continue to grow. One woman was quoted as saying: “We will not give up. We cannot allow them to take our freedom.”
The proposed law was initially shelved last year amid fierce opposition, but the ruling Georgian Dream party, perceived by many as pro-Russian, is determined to see it passed. The ongoing protests and the government's response to them continue to highlight the political tension in the country.
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