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Georgia Parliament Debates Controversial Foreign Funding Bill

Demonstrators rest in a street near the Parliament building during an opposition protest against "the Russian law" in the center of Tbilisi, Georgia, on Monday, May 13, 2024. Daily protests are contin

Georgia's parliament has entered the final reading of a contentious bill that has triggered widespread protests in the country. The bill, which critics argue poses a threat to democratic freedoms and Georgia's EU aspirations, would mandate media, NGOs, and nonprofits to register as 'pursuing the interests of a foreign power' if they receive over 20% of their funding from abroad.

Protests have been ongoing, with a large crowd gathering in front of the parliament as lawmakers discussed the bill. Demonstrators have been vocal in their opposition, labeling the bill as 'the Russian law' due to its resemblance to legislation used by Moscow to suppress dissent.

The government contends that the bill is necessary to counter harmful foreign influence and prevent destabilization by unspecified foreign actors. President Salome Zourabichvili has expressed intent to veto the law, but the governing party holds a majority that can override the veto.

Protests erupt over bill seen as threat to democratic freedoms and EU aspirations.
Georgia's parliament debates bill requiring entities to register foreign funding.
Bill mandates media, NGOs, and nonprofits to register if over 20% funded from abroad.
Protesters label bill 'the Russian law' due to its resemblance to Moscow legislation.
Government argues bill necessary to counter harmful foreign influence.
President Zourabichvili intends to veto, but governing party can override.

European Council President Charles Michel emphasized the importance of upholding democratic principles for countries aspiring to join the EU. The bill, which mirrors a previous version that was withdrawn last year following protests, has reignited demonstrations in Georgia, marked by clashes between protesters and police.

The ongoing debate over the bill underscores the delicate balance between safeguarding national interests and upholding democratic values in Georgia's political landscape.

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