In Georgia, widespread protests have erupted following the advancement of a controversial 'foreign influence' bill by the Parliament, which critics claim mirrors repressive Russian legislation used to stifle dissent. The EU and US have strongly criticized the bill, with a senior EU official calling it 'unacceptable' and State Department representative Matthew Miller warning that it could jeopardize Georgia's relations with NATO and the EU. The protests have seen significant clashes between demonstrators and police, with reports of excessive force being used. The situation escalated as thousands blocked key intersections in Tbilisi, including Heroes' Square, expressing staunch opposition to the legislation.
VIDEO: In the past three weeks, tens of thousands of Georgians have rallied to protest against the reintroduction of controversial "foreign influence" that many critics have compared to repressive Russian legislation aimed at silencing dissent. https://t.co/wyGXnHXYRx
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has dismissed criticism of the draft "foreign influence" bill, labeling opponents as foreign-funded actors. https://t.co/Qr9ZJA4U5V
The Prime Minister of Georgia is tweeting about how the US keeps trying to foment color revolutions in his country! He also points to subversive NGO’s. I have never seen a leader do this. Times they are a changin’… https://t.co/EAnpW9Xzyj
“We need Europe to sanction Georgia Dream” Europe and the U.S. must listen to the people in Georgia #NoToRussianIaw https://t.co/mRCn5sZegK
Amazing! Georgia tonight 🇬🇪 #NoToRussianLaw https://t.co/tX4pWpPjAp
The picture of a women from the anti-Russia protests in Georgia has gone viral because people think it's related to Palestine. Waiting for them to call it a CIA backed Soros-funed color revolution when they find out https://t.co/BPtGeoyjsK
Georgians have gathered in Tbilisi to call for the country to join the EU. But the country is experiencing a chronic democratic crisis — undermining the people’s agency in deciding their future. https://t.co/rziLNB37E4
VIDEO: Over the past three weeks, tens of thousands of Georgians have been protesting against a controversial "foreign influence" bill backed by the government but criticized for mirroring repressive Russian legislation https://t.co/fpwJdE6aY7
Mariam Tsertsvadze, the co-founder of an animal charity in the Georgian capital Tbilisi, is one of thousands engaging in nightly protests over a government bill on ‘foreign agents’ that critics have condemned as authoritarian and Kremlin-inspired https://t.co/soauE9nbtN https://t.co/0FY9X68EeD
this is a Georgian protester in Tbilisi protesting Russian interference https://t.co/ecxY1qh6Qb https://t.co/BSYa3e7nD3
Not a pro Palestine protest or anything on campus. These are Georgian riot police near the old parliament building in Tbilisi. This is either an old photo or a re-enactment of an old photo, and the young woman was part of a protest against the Georgian ruling party’s policies… https://t.co/UiZ1KBbm8D
This needs a community note. These are Georgian riot police in Tbilisi. This is either an old photo or a re-enactment of an old photo, and the young woman was part of a protest against the Georgian ruling party’s policies that many perceive to be pro Russian. https://t.co/UiZ1KBbm8D
Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, accuses the US of attempting to stage a coup in Georgia with US government-funded "non-governmental organisations" - It is feared the US will stage a Georgian "Maidan" to open a second front against Russia https://t.co/LT6JShHqdI
Protests / unrest in Georgia 🇬🇪 has been popping off the past few days. Possibly accelerating. All of the regular commenters are chiming in. Supposedly protests are against a "foreign agents" registration bill that pro-EU side doesn't like. We'll see... https://t.co/YKh9MuNRM8 https://t.co/6rcY9f9gVA
Georgian lady standing up to the Russian backed government goons in Tbilisi. https://t.co/oJSpHaZg0W
Protesters returned to the Parliament Tbilisi. More and more people are coming to join the protesters there. The unity of Georgian people is truly inspiring. 🇬🇪🇪🇺 https://t.co/aea7gxMTtK
Tbilisi right now. The poster reads: “Armenians and Azerbaijanis in solidarity with Georgians. THIS AFFECTS US ALL” https://t.co/FBWkeQFUuj
Absolutely inspiring scenes from Tbilisi 🇬🇪 Thousands of Georgians are chanting “Sa-kar-tve-lo” (“Georgia”) near the Georgian Dream office and demanding the government to drop the Russia-inspired bill. This country will never be Russia! 📸MtavariTV https://t.co/5xqSXQTmAr
Crowds march by Georgian Dream’s party office, blocking embarkment, one of Tbilisi’s main arteries https://t.co/RXsMrF9jdM
Georgian Dream believed the protests would decrease over the Easter holidays, as many people typically leave the capital for the regions during this time. However, today’s turnout proves otherwise. Tbilisi streets are crowded with peaceful demonstrators who have now reached the… https://t.co/LLcAg4901M
The determination of Georgians to defend the country’s democracy and prevent it from becoming a Russian satellite state, is unfaltering. The people have been protesting the Russian-style foreign agents bill for 19 days now. The West should take bolder steps in supporting 🇬🇪people https://t.co/L9mR23jwrS
🥴 PM of Georgia: "USA tried to organize a revolution in Georgia." 🇬🇪✊ https://t.co/ACp75Fu8fB
Protesters in #Tbilisi approached the office of the ruling Georgian Dream party. They were met by a cordon of police. https://t.co/6j16kFyoyO
Quite a statement by the Prime Minister of Georgia, accusing the US of supporting two color revolution attempts in his country, and highlighting US hypocrisy in criticizing how Georgia handles protests (against a law to prevent further hostile foreign meddling) when they… https://t.co/W8h6DAHlxe
The demonstrators are now marching towards the Georgian Dream headquarters. The three-legged doggo is back on duty. 🎥 Guram Muradov/Civil.ge https://t.co/zBqVC1doOA
#Tbilisi now on the 19th day of protests against Russian law, protesters are located in the different parts of Tbilisi, one of them is Oligarch Ivanishvili’s Paragraph hotel where the reception event of the Asian Development Bank is being held. People want their voices heard. https://t.co/DGEgBJXE7a
Demonstrators block traffic in Tbilisi in Georgia, to protest against 'Foreign Agents' bill. The new bill could curb the presence of media and non-governmental organisations in the country. Some critics have compared it to Russian laws, local media said https://t.co/peK97rSs54 https://t.co/fy8bcatVzH
147,000 likes for a picture that isn't of a pro-Palestinian protester. This is from the country of Georgia some years back. She's not Palestinian or an American. You could tell by the fact that she's not wearing a mask and her hair isn't purple. https://t.co/5l424i3rOR
147,000 likes for a picture that isn't of a pro-Palestinian protest. This is from the country of Georgia some years back. She's not Palestinian or an American. You could tell by the fact that she's not wearing a mask and her hair isn't purple. https://t.co/5l424i3rOR
Georgian prime minister accused the United States of supporting what he criticized as "revolution attempts," following the Biden administration's support for anti-government protests that are rocking Tbilisi. https://t.co/oqAwkFpEC1
Georgians are protesting in Tbilisi to demand EU membership. But foreign aid agencies, their local NGOs, and EU officials are undermining the functioning of a democratic system that would provide Georgians with the agency to decide their own future. https://t.co/rziLNB2zOw
The likely passage of a Kremlin-style law has Georgians fighting for their democracy. https://t.co/vdUStU3nzm
Anti-government protests in Tbilisi have been hailed as a fight over Georgia’s European future — even though the government itself wants to join the EU. Amid the geopolitical posturing, the issue being ignored is the chronic crisis of Georgian democracy. https://t.co/rziLNB2zOw
EDITORIAL: President Zelensky – Stop Ignoring Struggles for Freedom in Georgia and Belarus President #Zelensky: Ignoring democratic anti-Russian movements in #Georgia and #Belarus is unworthy of you and the cause you represent. Time to adjust your stance. https://t.co/1XOaaEHsw0
Protesting Georgians are begging for real support from the West, @GaryJSchmitt1 and Reuel Marc Gerecht write. https://t.co/NtsKDI5L8x
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze rejected US criticism of a draft 'foreign agents' law, saying Washington's statements on the issue were false and reminiscent of earlier meddling which had fueled violence https://t.co/M3NjuagznV
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has canceled a visit to the United States because of a request from Washington to suspend consideration of the "Foreign Agents" bill. https://t.co/YJaZ6Kx9br
"Georgians believe this is a make-or-break moment for their democracy. They worry that protests alone, or further talks with Washington or Brussels, will not make the government back down. Instead, they are looking for tangible support from the West..." https://t.co/z4Vb9l64nY
Georgian PM calls U.S. criticism of draft 'foreign agents' law false https://t.co/VW3Fe5k5za https://t.co/pW8H29ia8m
In Photos: The protests in Georgia against the foreign agent law are among the largest the country has ever seen. https://t.co/raCjTfsH4f https://t.co/VRjUlVImRt
⚠️ GEORGIAN PM CALLS U.S. CRITICISM OF DRAFT 'FOREIGN AGENTS' LAW FALSE Full Story → https://t.co/nkxuXLR8gf Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze rejected on Friday U.S. criticism of a draft "foreign agents" law, saying Washington's statements on the issue were false and… https://t.co/Csc6y1Pnpo
"Young Georgians want to be part of Europe. Their government is in the way. A proposed [Putinesque] “foreign agent” law could block the country’s path to the E.U. and NATO" by enabling the government to stigmatize critics. https://t.co/WfRC2lw2jE
After Georgia's parliament approved the second reading of a bill on ‘foreign agents,’ thousands of protesters blocked Heroes' Square, a key roundabout through which much of capital Tbilisi's traffic passes https://t.co/wa64AEOoGF https://t.co/yRyFBWVdd2
Amidst intense clashes inside and outside Georgia's parliament, lawmakers passed a second reading of the controversial "foreign influence" bill. https://t.co/sE3ILxvg2s
⚡️ U.S., EU, and U.N. officials denounced on May 2 Tbilisi's efforts to pass a controversial foreign agents bill amid the ongoing protests in Georgia. https://t.co/izXlhXBCyE
Stronger together! Tbilisi Protests 2024 https://t.co/bxOWytprCw
Why a bill to curb ‘foreign influence’ in Georgia has triggered mass protests ➡️ https://t.co/qDld6E28BK https://t.co/6LG2aLwteE
Police in Republic of Georgia Crack Down on Intensifying Protests Against Foreign Influence Bill https://t.co/SZBwslTOvj
Thousands of demonstrators blocked a key intersection in Georgia's capital Tbilisi, as protests continue against the country’s proposed legislation on ‘foreign agents’ https://t.co/wa64AEOoGF https://t.co/rxRBirDRns
Everything we saw in Kyiv 2013 is starting to happen in Tbilisi. Songs of a free people. "Freedom does not come easily; freedom belongs to the lions!” https://t.co/1z4AtRwIQN
Unity is key! We’re all committed to European values. Georgian people are fighting for all of us. Freedom and democracy will win! 🇬🇪 🇪🇺 🇲🇩 🇪🇺 🇩🇪 🇪🇺 https://t.co/yCZDGYPn4c
The hearts of courage in Europe. 🇬🇪🇪🇺 #Georgia #Ukraine 🇺🇦🇪🇺 https://t.co/nm54HIDIC6
Quick updates: - protests continue; - capital was paralyzed for 10 hours; - riot police didn’t even show up; - govt. representatives are very angry and lash out at free media; We will continue tomorrow! Georgia is united and will be free shortly! Stay tuned. ✊🏻🔥
A senior #EU official has told the Georgian government that its proposed legislation on “foreign agents” is “unacceptable”, and the White House says it is deeply concerned about how the proposal would affect free speech in Georgia. https://t.co/w7xOz4VpE3
Massive protesters across Georgia against the “Russian Law” and for Georgia to join the EU instead of being linked with Russia 🇬🇪🇪🇺 https://t.co/eDfCOoCm86
Georgian pro-EU protester makes use of the riot police sent in to disperse the protesters 🇬🇪🇪🇺 https://t.co/S0qNas65eo
Young Georgians want to be part of Europe. Their government is in the way, the Editorial Board writes. https://t.co/rYx9lPeUYX
Georgia will never become Russia 🇬🇪#NoToRussianLaw https://t.co/EqECHNU6mZ
As the former chairman of the #Georgia caucus in congress, I have a message for the people of the nation of Georgia: be strong. To the Georgian police: don’t oppress your people. Our alliance is stronger than Ivanishvilli. #Tbilisi #NoToRussianLaw https://t.co/HfkxEIpRan
Senior officials from the UN, EU and US have condemned Georgia's attempt to pass a "foreign influence" law that critics say would muzzle independent media and rights groups. https://t.co/CN8cVMcelz
Georgians continue to take to the streets to demonstrate against draft legislation that they say would infringe on their rights and and hinder Georgia in its bid to join the EU. https://t.co/L2wJK5Q42X
The spirit of Georgians is inspiring and amazing #NoToRussianLaw https://t.co/CO4RpBg5ZA
The anti-Russia protesters also made their voice heard after the performances at the Tbilisi ballet and opera theater tonight. People waved EU flags and chanted “Georgia” 🇬🇪🇪🇺 https://t.co/z8LeZAW9lG
3AM, Tbilisi 🇬🇪 Protesters have returned from Heroes Square to the Parliament, where they are currently performing the National Anthem of Georgia. The Georgian Dream cannot intimidate these free people with so-called Titushky, a group of violent thugs. Long live free Georgia! https://t.co/hCRMr9Lggr
For context, this image is from the ongoing anti-government protests in Tbilisi, Georgia, and unrelated to pro-Palestinian rallies at US college campuses. https://t.co/N8eExoNoyB https://t.co/3fUgTg2U1Q
Participants of the protest against the law on foreign agents in Georgia voiced their demands Demonstrators demand the release of all detainees, as well as the punishment of law enforcement officers who used violence against people. https://t.co/UGKhp5ydVy
Additional footage of a violent group attacking protesters near Heroes’ Square in Tbilisi. This is an old playbook. Stand with Georgia! 🇬🇪 https://t.co/lmZOISf9I1
BREAKING: Tens of thousands of Georgians are out protesting on the streets of Tbilisi again tonight. They are chanting “No to the Russian law” & “Yes to the European Union” 🇬🇪🇪🇺 https://t.co/P7cbxqj3E7
insane turnout as anti-foreign agent law protests continue in tblisi “the city paralyzed” - @Mikiashvili_M https://t.co/isYDJ4bUEW
COLOR REVOLUTION IN GEORGIA: Globalist NGO’s Foment Mass Protest Against ‘Foreign Agent Bill’ That Would Mandate Disclosure of Funding Sources of These Same Organizations via @gatewaypundit https://t.co/OGwDupgNAS
Georgia’s ‘foreign influence’ bill could imperil its Western trajectory, EU and US warn https://t.co/J89rZfqpFj
Tbilisi protests: from Georgian Dream to Russian Nightmare https://t.co/7F8tONOkc0
Anti-Russian ptotest crowds getting huge in Tibilisi https://t.co/1R9gIiGsl4
Two focal areas for protests tonight in Tbilisi: Rustaveli Avenue and Heroes Square. It's 1:05AM in Georgian capital now. https://t.co/vS0zSrCFKO
Currently taking place in London, Georgian citizens living in the United Kingdom gathered near the Georgian Embassy to voice their opposition to the Russian law. This is seventh and the most crowded demonstration this month. #NoToRussianLaw https://t.co/FoeNViLXhA
UN, EU, US urge Georgia to halt ‘foreign agents’ bill as protests grow https://t.co/uSpTuOR7Sy
This is Georgia: the protestors sing together at the main intersection of the capital 🇬🇪 https://t.co/JV5JFoMolZ
Georgia is standing up. Europe is with you 🙏 https://t.co/cqRWo05KIX
🇬🇪 Blinken is watching the Georgian protests and legislation ‘incredibly closely’ https://t.co/0SATRUscNo
Patriotic spirit and morale of the protest at its highest. People just sing to Sakartvelo. This song is called Sakartvelo and melts in love of homeland, which PM thinks we don’t have. Absolute failure of government propaganda. Video: @Tabula_Media https://t.co/AxFwGsfvtI
Police Crack Down on Intensifying Protests Against Georgia’s Foreign Influence Bill https://t.co/SZBwslTOvj
“The Prime Minister of Georgia was invited to the United States with the caveat that before the visit, the Georgian parliament should temporarily cease consideration of the bill “On Transparency of Foreign Influence,” the government statement . https://t.co/xglp0hSUfv https://t.co/pV5ofLO2nO
Georgian anthem in Hero’s Square! ✊🏻🔥❤️ https://t.co/iLv0UelIPk
Heroes Square right now. City paralyzed. We didn't let the policy bully our people and moved the rally here. #Georgia #NoToRussianLaw #TbilisiProtests 🇬🇪🇪🇺 https://t.co/iuxkzEyMy1
Protests continue in Georgia over a draft law on ‘foreign influence’. @UNHumanRights chief @volker_turk expressed concern over reports of disproportionate use of force against demonstrators and media workers. https://t.co/QVJjRKL6t6
🇬🇪 Georgian Prime Minister Kobakhidze refused a visit to the United States due to the conditions set for him. “Today a statement was published by the US Ambassador that high-ranking representatives of the Georgian government were invited to the US, which the Georgian side… https://t.co/fnajD2lC2j
Mass protests against the law on "foreign agents" continue in #Georgia. My solidarity goes out to all those bravely taking to the streets today. I hope that the bill will be halted, ensuring the safety of protesters and that all those unjustly arrested will be released. https://t.co/SdqojedPYu
Tbilisi opera house right now - after the concert of Berliner Philharmoniker. The protest has engulfed the entire country. This regime is nearing its end 🇬🇪🇪🇺 https://t.co/E9W5r128Mq
More on this uprising in defense of democracy via @anjk @dwnews: Georgians continue to take to the streets to demonstrate against draft legislation that they say would infringe on their rights and lessen the chances of Georgia being able to join the EU. https://t.co/GKVzi0rtR8. https://t.co/p7WYunjIj3
Reinforced to @PM_Kobakhidze today our concern for Georgia's current trajectory - the Government's hostile rhetoric and support of antidemocratic legislation places Georgia's Euro-Atlantic future at risk. The United States urges the Georgian government to recommit Georgia to the…
“Me var Sakartvelo” (I’m Georgia) 🇬🇪 #TbilisiProtests https://t.co/vBKOw9JUTZ
Amidst intense clashes inside and outside Georgia's parliament, lawmakers passed a second reading of the controversial "foreign influence" bill. Critics say it resembles a Russian law used to silence dissent and stifle independent news media. https://t.co/ebpKX9bPoo
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Georgia and Ukraine forever together! 🇬🇪❤️🇺🇦 Here’s 📷 from Tbilisi protests. 🥹 https://t.co/kym0RUm1Mp https://t.co/5mdGh4yvAb
The number of people on the "Heroes Square" in #Tbilisi is growing by the minute https://t.co/0hW0JODwPG
Look at the river of people at the protests in Tbilisi. Who does the ruling party think supports their Russian law? https://t.co/nsVjvRqhXm
The Heroes’ Square in Tbilisi right now. People have moved from the Parliament there to protect other protesters who are being arrested by the police. What is the official motto of Georgia?Strength is in Unity! 🇬🇪 https://t.co/ZLcvb87gCO
The fight for democracy in Tbilisi, Georgia right now is so inspiring (video i shot from a rooftop 5 min ago). Change is possible. People have power. https://t.co/AmVqoAwAkq
The Heroes’ Square in Tbilisi has been blocked for several hours now. The idea of blocking roads is to create multiple pressure points for the government. 📸Publika https://t.co/2vBzARt37v
First of several episodes focusing on Georgian 🇬🇪 situation- @natasabanadze - Georgia's Maiden Style Protest Pushing Back Against Putinisation of its Politics - #NAFO #nafofellas @MriyaReport - https://t.co/C7m7DKG4xI
#TBILISI NOW, anti-Russian law protest Photo Dato Koridze https://t.co/j2FscDnNHk
Featuring my comments on the steps the EU should take in response to oligarch Ivanishvili's actions to undermine democracy and bring Georgia fully into the Kremlin's orbit. https://t.co/uxF56reKkS
More and more people come out to the protest rally in #Tbilisi, despite brutal detentions https://t.co/CrQWzBePDc
Local media publish footage of protesters being detained in #Georgia Meanwhile, protests against the law on foreign agents continue in Georgia. https://t.co/7L2VCBYfYA
Total gridlock in #Tbilisi tonight. Might be the busiest night yet for anti-government protests. https://t.co/KPUJJ93KWi https://t.co/LK8aQJkyG5
🇬🇪 | A river of people is flowing towards Heroes Square to block Tbilisi's main transport artery and support the group of protesters who were forcefully dispersed earlier by the police. 🎥 @RTavisupleba https://t.co/NfjuHEfrp1
Happening now: The Heroes Square, #TbilisiProtests https://t.co/dYCC2zh84Z
There's not enough jails in all Georgia to hold the amount of anti-russian protesters now. Tibilisi. https://t.co/gvGSojGMFK
Police are massively arresting people who were blocking streets at Heroes Square. #Tbilisi https://t.co/Uak60KZs2V
In #Tbilisi, police began to brutally detain protesters https://t.co/ZbnbrC7NRb
#Georgia: @volker_turk concerned by reports of unnecessary & disproportionate use of force against demonstrators. Authorities urged to withdraw bill labelling NGOs and media outlets receiving foreign funding as “organisations acting in the interest of a foreign power”
People are gathering in front of the Parliament in Tbilisi for another pro-EU demonstration. The protest is expected to be massive; Georgians are stubbornly defending country from the Kremlin-style rule. 🇬🇪🇪🇺 https://t.co/xtygLEPE2r
In Tbilisi, protesters gather for a new rally The roads on Heroes Square have already been blocked. https://t.co/ZtLNsIXKsK
Georgian flags everywhere 🇬🇪 You know where they are headed. #NoToRussianLaw https://t.co/7hhBUYd37P
These are pro-democracy protesters in Georgia, the country, not Georgia the American state. https://t.co/FlPsoA6uAj
The heroes square now, protesters are gathering to block the key pillar of Tbilisi transportation. Video https://t.co/yRoDCkY6TC https://t.co/tyXZZyofpB
Georgian police, protesters clash over Kremlin inspired 'foreign agents' bill https://t.co/RsukDLKxrD
Biden administration condemns country of Georgia for "Kremlin-inspired" legislation https://t.co/dbQTjzHIIT
🔊 Police beat and arrest protesters in Tbilisi, angry about a proposed new bill they say is pro-Kremlin. Listen to @MarkJTrev on the Reuters World News podcast as the new bill inches closer to becoming law https://t.co/lOkpyZVHM2 https://t.co/0drbLV0esZ
This is how you stand up against tyranny. Georgians truly get how to deal with authoritarian wannabes and Russia’s bootlickers. We’re with you, Sakartvelo ✊🇬🇪🇺🇦 https://t.co/BXoLV3knaQ
⚡️The U.S. has warned the authorities in #Georgia that its relations with #NATO and the European Union could be at risk due to the adopted law on foreign agents, as stated by the State Department representative Matthew Miller. 📷: AFP https://t.co/eMExZrggB7
VIDEO: 🇬🇪 Tens of thousands rally in Georgia against 'foreign influence' bill The rallies in the capital Tbilisi came after parliament advanced the bill that Brussels has warned would harm the country's long-standing European aspirations. #AFPVertical https://t.co/mdD1YxbisK
Thousands rally in Georgia as Parliament advances ‘foreign influence’ bill — in pictures https://t.co/ONVtbocu6g https://t.co/9bh6NCZHrZ
⚠️ EU OFFICIAL CALLS GEORGIA'S 'FOREIGN AGENTS' BILL UNACCEPTABLE Full Story → https://t.co/dYOPS02waN A senior European Union official warned the Georgian government on Thursday that its proposed legislation on "foreign agents" was unacceptable and would be an obstacle to… https://t.co/OIvUMm1obE
Security forces clashed with protesters in Georgia’s capital on Wednesday night after the Eastern European nation’s Parliament advanced contentious new legislation that has ignited weeks of demonstrations. https://t.co/niVuRvqctx