In Georgia, several participants of a protest against the draft law “On Transparency of Foreign Influence” were detained by the police on Friday night on Chavchavadze Avenue in Tbilisi. The arrests began after the police demanded that the protesters clear the road.
The protest, organized by opposition parties and civil society groups, was in response to the proposed law which aims to regulate the activities of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that receive funding from foreign sources. The government argues that the law is necessary to prevent foreign interference in Georgia’s internal affairs, while critics see it as an attempt to silence dissent and limit the work of NGOs.
The protest, which started peacefully, turned violent when the police intervened to clear the road. According to eyewitnesses, the police used excessive force, including tear gas and water cannons, to disperse the protesters. As a result, several people were injured and taken to the hospital.
The detained protesters were taken to the police station for questioning and were later released. However, the incident has sparked outrage among the opposition and civil society groups, who have accused the government of using excessive force to suppress dissent.
The opposition parties have also condemned the proposed law, calling it a violation of freedom of speech and association. They argue that the law will have a chilling effect on civil society and will discourage foreign donors from supporting NGOs in Georgia.
The draft law has also drawn criticism from international organizations, including the European Union and the United Nations. In a joint statement, they expressed concern over the potential impact of the law on the work of NGOs and urged the government to ensure that the law is in line with international standards.
The government, on the other hand, maintains that the law is necessary to protect the country’s sovereignty and national security. They argue that some NGOs have been used as a tool by foreign powers to influence Georgia’s political processes and that the law will provide transparency and accountability in their activities.
The clash between the protesters and the police has once again highlighted the deep political divisions in Georgia. The country has been rocked by political turmoil since the parliamentary elections in October 2020, which were marred by allegations of fraud and sparked mass protests.
The government’s handling of the protest has also raised concerns about the state of democracy in Georgia. The use of excessive force against peaceful protesters and the proposed law that could restrict the work of NGOs are seen as threats to fundamental rights and freedoms.
In response to the incident, the opposition has called for the resignation of the Interior Minister and for an independent investigation into the police’s actions. They have also vowed to continue their protests until the proposed law is withdrawn.
The government, on the other hand, has defended the actions of the police and has urged the opposition to engage in constructive dialogue rather than resorting to street protests.
In conclusion, the recent protests in Georgia have once again highlighted the ongoing political tensions in the country. The clash between the protesters and the police, as well as the proposed law on foreign influence, have raised concerns about the state of democracy and human rights in Georgia. It is crucial for all parties to engage in constructive dialogue and find a solution that respects the rights and freedoms of all citizens.
