Georgian parliament passes controversial foreign agents bill in first reading despite protests
Photo: The Georgian parliament passed the controversial law on foreign agents in the first reading (parliament.ge)
The Georgian parliament has passed in the first reading a sanctioned bill on foreign agents that has sparked mass protests in the country. The document was supported by 83 deputies, but no one voted against it, Echo of the Caucasus reports.
The bill will require organizations that receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as agents of foreign influence. It is likely to be passed by the parliament controlled by the ruling Georgian Dream party and its allies.
Opponents say the law will harm Georgia's aspirations to join the European Union.
Critics have compared the bill to Russian legislation used by the Kremlin to suppress dissent. Evasion of registration or failure to submit a financial declaration within the prescribed timeframe will result in a fine of $9,000.
Last year, the document was withdrawn after two days of mass protests and clashes between demonstrators and security forces.
Against the law
This week, Georgians staged protests outside the parliament in Tbilisi over what they call a Russian law that would bring the country closer to Russia and further away from the European Union.
A coalition of opposition groups, civil society, celebrities, and the country's nominal President have rallied against the ruling party to oppose the move.
About 10,000 people took part in the protest on April 16.
