Georgia: Further protests against draft law on foreign agents /update 1

Event

Further protests are likely in Tbilisi over the coming days as political activists denounce the passage through Parliament of a controversial bill on "foreign agents" that would require any organization that receives more than 20 percent of its funding from overseas to register as a foreign agent or face substantial fines. The United National Movement opposition party has called for daily demonstrations on Shota Rustaveli Avenue in central Tbilisi from 15:00.

Demonstrations in recent days have attracted several thousand participants and centered on streets surrounding Parliament, including Shota Rustaveli Avenue, Zakaria Chichinadze Street, Dzmebi Zubalashvilebi Street, and 9th Aprili Street. Police have repeatedly used tear gas to disperse unruly demonstrators, small groups of which have hurled stones and other projectiles at police. Dozens of protesters have been arrested at related demonstrations since March 2.

A heavy police presence is likely near Parliament during all related protests. Large crowds and associated security measures, including possible road closures and movement restrictions, will likely prompt localized transport disruptions. Additional isolated clashes between police and protesters cannot be ruled out.

Context

Despite vocal dissent from civil society and opposition parties, the draft law, officially named the Foreign Influence Transparency Act, comfortably passed its first parliamentary reading on March 7. The ruling Georgian Dream party states the law will protect the country from undue foreign influence. However, EU officials state the law is incompatible with EU values ​​and standards, and consider the law to be an obstacle to Georgia's western integration.

While the bill is currently expected to pass through Parliament, President Salome Zourabichvili states she will veto the bill, claiming it endangers Georgia's path to EU accession. However, Parliament can override Zourabichvili's veto with a simple majority vote. Protests will likely intensify as the bill passes through various stages in Parliament and subside during intervening periods.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Check for disruptions and allow extra time for travel in the affected areas.