Georgia’s parliament moved a step nearer to passing a legislation that critics worry will stifle media freedom and threaten the nation’s bid for European Union membership, as police used water cannon, tear fuel and pepper spray in opposition to tens of 1000’s of people that took to the streets to protest . .
On Wednesday, parliament authorised the second studying of a “international affect” invoice that has been criticized for mirroring a draconian Russian legislation, with lawmakers voting 83 to 23 in favor of the measure.
Dozens of individuals had been arrested the night time earlier than, and mass rallies proceed every day within the capital, Tbilisi.
The legislation would require media and non-commercial organizations to register as “following the pursuits of a international energy” in the event that they obtain greater than 20 % of their funding from overseas. The ruling Georgian Dream social gathering withdrew an analogous proposal final yr after huge protests.
The invoice will go the third and closing vote in parliament. The ruling social gathering stated it desires to signal it by mid-Could.
Relations between Georgia and Russia have been difficult and turbulent because the collapse of the Soviet Union within the Nineteen Nineties. The 2 international locations fought a quick warfare in 2008 that ended with Georgia shedding management of two Russian-friendly separatist areas.
In consequence, Georgia minimize diplomatic ties with Russia, and the problem of the standing of the areas stays a key irritant, though relations have considerably improved.
Georgia has joined worldwide resolutions condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, however has additionally develop into a first-rate goal for Russians fleeing army mobilization and political repression.
Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, nonetheless at odds with the ruling social gathering, criticized the invoice and stated she would veto it if parliament handed it. Nevertheless, the ruling social gathering can override the veto and ask the speaker of parliament to signal the legislation.
The EU authorised Georgia’s candidate standing in December, however indicated the invoice might scupper its hopes for European integration if handed.