Tens of thousands of Georgians took to the streets for a third day against the ‘foreign agent’ bill.
Tbilisi:
At least 30,000 protesters took to the streets of Georgia for a third day on Thursday, despite a ruling party’s promise to drop the controversial “foreign agent” bill, reminiscent of a Russian law used to silence critics.
Waving Georgian, Ukrainian and European Union flags, protesters gathered outside the parliament building in the capital Tbilisi, pressing the government to capitulate to the Kremlin and steer the Black Sea nation down an authoritarian path.
The Georgian and Ukrainian anthems as well as the European Union anthem “Ode to Joy” were performed at the rally. The protesters also chanted anti-government slogans, with some protesters demanding the resignation of the government.
“The only obstacle to joining the EU is our government, which is prepared to give us (membership) candidature,” 39-year-old mathematician Eka Kamkamidze told AFP.
Another protester, 30-year-old painter Mamuka Kiria, said: “Georgians are united in their desire to join Europe and the government is isolated – from their own people and internationally.”
He said the protesters wanted “early elections” to oust the ruling Georgian Dream party.
– ‘First victory’ –
Tens of thousands of people took to the streets this week after lawmakers gave their initial support for a “foreign agents” bill. On Tuesday and Wednesday, Georgian police fired water cannons and tear gas at protesters.
On Thursday morning, the Georgian Dream ruling party backed down under pressure, announcing it would drop the bill, but the opposition said it would hold more rallies.
On Thursday evening, President Salome Zurabishvili sent a message of support to the protesters in a televised address from New York.
Zurabishvili said, “I want to congratulate the society on its first victory. I am proud of those who made their voices heard.”
“There is distrust of government when we follow our European path.”
Opposition parties said in a joint statement that the protests would continue, pointing to the lack of guarantees that “Georgia is on a strongly pro-Western course”.
He also called for the immediate release of dozens of protesters whom he said had been detained. The Home Ministry said on Thursday evening that all those detained have been released.
– ‘European future’ –
Georgian authorities have faced mounting international criticism over an alleged backsliding on democracy, seriously damaging Tbilisi’s ties with Brussels.
Brussels and Washington denounced Georgia’s plan to introduce a “foreign agent” law as a heavy blow to democracy.
The EU delegation in Georgia welcomed the government’s announcement that it was withdrawing the draft law, adding that they “encourage all political leaders in Georgia to resume EU reforms”. .
The US Embassy in Tbilisi also welcomed the news.
“The Georgian people once again state clearly that the only option for Georgia is a secure and prosperous European future,” said a statement from the embassy.
“We urge the ruling party to officially withdraw these bills and not to pursue this type of legislation, which is incompatible with Georgian and European values and the protection of fundamental freedoms.”
The Kremlin on Thursday expressed concern over mass protests in neighboring Georgia.
Moscow and Tbilisi went to war in 2008 and Russia still controls Georgia’s Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions, although the regions are internationally recognized as part of Georgia.
– ‘Big moment’ –
Tom de Waal, a senior fellow at Carnegie Europe, said both the bill and the police crackdown on protesters represent a serious challenge in the politically turbulent country.
“This is a huge moment for Georgia, still a democracy, but definitely a struggling one,” he said on Twitter.
In Russia, the Kremlin has used the “foreign agent” label against opponents, journalists and human rights activists who have been accused of leading foreign-funded political activities.
Ever since Russia invaded Ukraine, Georgia has hosted an influx of anti-war Russians. But in recent weeks authorities have barred some critics of the Kremlin from entering the country, and some observers warn of a drift towards Moscow.
Georgia’s treatment of jailed ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili, whose health has deteriorated significantly in prison, has also drawn international condemnation.
The ruling party has insisted it remains committed to Georgia’s EU and NATO membership bid, which is enshrined in the constitution and – according to opinion polls – supported by at least 80 percent of the population.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has defended his “balanced” policy aimed at ensuring “peace and stability”.
Georgia applied for EU membership along with Ukraine and Moldova in February 2022, days after Russia invaded Ukraine.
Last June, EU leaders granted formal candidate status to Kiev and Chisinau, but said Tbilisi must implement reforms first.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
featured video of the day
Pakistan’s provocative military response more likely under PM Modi: US intel