TBILISI — As Georgian protesters – who numbered in the tens of thousands on May 11 – prepared for another mass rally in central Tbilisi, government officials vowed to arrest demonstrators who attempted to block the Parliament building ahead of discussions on the controversial ‘foreign agent’. bill that has been condemned by the US, EU and others.
Opposition leaders have called on protesters to gather late on May 12 and spend the night on the streets ahead of the planned third reading of Parliament and the likely adoption of what critics call “Russian law” – similar to the legislation used by the Kremlin to silence the media and the media. civil society groups in this country.
The bill is expected to be considered in parliamentary committee on May 13, and a full vote – and likely adoption – is expected on May 14.
At a press briefing on May 12, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze claims that lawmakers ruling under the Georgia Dream are certain to pass the bill and that it will “reflect the will of Georgian society.”
He warned protesters that “violence will not go unpunished”, while urging police to “exhibit maximum patience and, in responding to violence and insults, to act according to high standards”.
Meanwhile, in a separate briefing On May 12, President Salome Zurabishvili, who broke with the government and spoke in favor of peaceful protests, sharply criticized the government and the leaders of the Georgian Dream for not taking into account the opinions of thousands of citizens in the streets.
“It’s very funny when politicians claim to be able to count with a high IQ and don’t know how to count the number of people,” she said, adding that the government “has lost the trust of the people.”
In front of some 50,000 demonstrators gathered in central Tbilisi on May 11, poet Rati Amaghlobeli, one of the protest organizers, called on Georgians to take to the streets again on May 12.
The aim is to show the world that Georgians strongly oppose the bill, which has raised concerns about its potential effects on the media and civil society as well as the country’s European ambitions.
“We must have this country united tomorrow. We must be united and more tomorrow. Let the world see it!” » said Amaghlobeli.
Protesters have been encouraged to gather around parliament from 10 p.m. and spend the night there so their presence can be felt as parliament meets early on May 13 to discuss the bill. Organizers urged them to bring sleeping bags, tents and board games and said a stage would be set up for music and songs.
Under the proposed legislation, media outlets, NGOs and other nonprofits would be required to register as “pursuing the interests of a foreign power” if more than 20 percent of their funding comes from abroad.
Critics say it draws on decade-old “foreign agents” legislation, which Russian President Vladimir Putin has used to crush dissent and punish independent institutions, and EU officials have said the bill could constitute a significant setback for Tbilisi’s membership bid.
On May 11, demonstrators chanted “Yes, Europe!” and “No to Russian law” as they gathered in different areas of the capital before heading towards Europe Square, in the heart of Tbilisi’s historic district.
Previous rallies have resulted in a violent response from security forces, including the use of tear gas and water cannons against demonstrators, as well as arrests. Roving gangs of thugs targeted the demonstrators. Protesters and journalists also showed injuries consistent with the use of rubber bullets, despite authorities’ denials.
Reports of security forces’ actions during the May 11 protests were unclear and no immediate confirmation of the arrests was obtained.
Activist Gia Japaridze called for the release of all those detained during the weeks of protests.
“We must make our voice heard. We must demand that Russian puppet authorities release detained political prisoners,” said Japaridze, a former diplomat and university professor and brother of opposition leader Zurab Japaridze.
The United States has been one of the biggest supporters of Georgia’s efforts to join the European Union and other Western institutions and one of the biggest critics of the bill.
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan greeted the protesters on May 11.
“The people of Georgia are making their views known,” Sullivan wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Undeterred by intimidation tactics, tens of thousands of peaceful protesters gathered today in rainy Tbilisi to demand that Georgian Dream withdraw the legislation. »
Earlier today, the US Embassy announced that Jim O’Brien, US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, will visit the Georgian capital, as well as the Montenegrin capital, Podgorica, between 14 and May 17.
The announcement comes after 29 members of the U.S. House of Representatives sent an open letter to Kobakhidze expressing “grave concern” and “strongly” urging his government to withdraw the bill.
US lawmakers said in a May 10 letter that it was a “harmful bill“This would undermine the will of the Georgian people who seek a future in the West.”
The lawmakers said “in no uncertain terms” that its passage and continued move toward “Russian-style authoritarianism… would cause the United States to fundamentally reassess the nature of our relationship” with Georgia.
Also on May 10, 18 media and rights organizations, including the International Press Institute, said the bill “provides authorities with a powerful tool to discredit, pressure and ultimately silence independent voices, thereby threatening freedom of the press and freedom of expression.”
Kobakhidze’s government insists that the law complies with European standards and aims only to increase “transparency” and prevent “any harmful foreign influence” on the country’s political scene.
Supporters of the bill appear to control enough votes for its passage and possibly override President Salomé Zurabishvili’s promised veto.
An earlier version of the bill was introduced last year by Georgian Dream allies, but withdrawn amid public outcry.
News Source : www.rferl.org
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