Thousands Rally in Tbilisi Against ‘Foreign Agents’ Bill
In a massive show of defiance, thousands of Georgians flooded the streets of Tbilisi to protest a controversial new “foreign agents” bill. The legislation, widely compared to Russia’s notorious laws, has sparked some of the country’s biggest demonstrations since breaking free from Soviet rule in 1991.
The Controversial Bill That’s Sparking Fury
The proposed law demands any organisation receiving over 20% of its funding from abroad to register as “agents of foreign influence” or face hefty fines. Critics warn the bill threatens Georgia’s dream of joining the European Union and could suffocate civil society.
Mass Protests and Unyielding Determination
Protesters swarmed Tbilisi’s Rustaveli Avenue waving EU and Georgian flags, vowing to camp out all night outside parliament. With Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze pushing the bill aggressively, demonstrators have dug in their heels.
President Salome Zurabishvili urged calm, warning protestors to stay alert against provocations. Yet just days ago, activists faced harassment and were met with water cannons and tear gas.
Youth Take the Lead Against Russian-Style Law
The movement is driven by Georgia’s youth – students who fear the bill will drag the country back under Russian-style repression. 20-year-old student Nadezhda Polyakova declared, “We, as students, don’t see a future with this Russian law. We stand with Europe.”
Veteran protester Vakhtang Rukhaia, now on day 35 of demonstration, added, “I am so mad and angry. I’m not going anywhere.”
The Fight for Georgia’s Future Goes On
Despite threats of arrests, the protests show no signs of slowing. As night falls over Tbilisi, the defiant calls echo through the streets. Georgians stand united, fighting to protect their democratic freedoms and keep their country on a European path.
