Anger on the Streets of Tbilisi: Georgia’s Controversial Law Sparks Protests
Imagine thousands of people marching down the streets of Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, under the dark night sky. Their clenched fists raised in the air, compassing the energy of their protest against a law likened to Russian legislation that stumbles upon free thinking. The last Tuesday evening and the night towards Wednesday were nothing less than chaotic.
According to on-site reports, riot police chased protesters through narrow alleys. Some were reportedly manhandled by the police, others, including an opposition politician, were even arrested. Georgian OC Media quoted instances where journalists on the scene were shoved and insulted by the police.
“Many eyewitness accounts have reported the use of pepper spray by the police in an attempt to disperse the angry crowd.”
The Controversial Legislation
The Tuesday’s protests took place after the parliament voted to progress a controversial and fiercely disputed draft law. This law aims to label organizations with foreign ties as “foreign agents.” It’s backed by the governing party, Georgian Dream, but has stirred anger among the opposition, who call it the “Russian law.”
The president, Salomé Zurabishvili, who has a principally ceremonial power and is in open conflict with the governing party, stated:
“Pressing this law against the people’s will and partners’ protests is a direct provocation – a Russian strategy for destabilization”.
Similar legislation in Russia has been used to penalize government critics and silence independent media. Many view the law as incompatible with Georgia’s hopes for future EU membership.
Implications on Georgia’s Relations
Charles Michel, President of the European Council, has warned that the law proposal would “move Georgia further from the EU, not closer”. And Amnesty noted that the proposition represents a “direct threat to the right of association and freedom of speech”.
Georgia’s mild tone against Russia’s war in Ukraine has been highlighted repeatedly over the years by various observers. Especially given its aspiration for European Union membership and the ongoing tensions with neighbouring Russia since the five-day war in 2008 when South Ossetia and Abkhazia declared independence from Georgia with Moscow’s support.
Georgian Dream Party: Torn Between Russia and Europe?
The governing party, Georgian Dream, was founded by Georgian billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, who amassed his wealth in Russia. Notably, recent years have seen the party gravitating more towards Moscow, earning criticism for its soft stance on Russia’s war and allegedly helping Russia bypass western sanctions.
However, the majority of the population remains in favor of EU membership and supports Ukraine in the war. Demonstrator Kote Tatisjvili confidently asserts:
“We peaceful protesters will win. We will force the Russian puppets in Georgian Dream to retract the law.”
In conclusion, with anticipation of the Tuesday’s protests continuing, the world closely watches the unfolding events, awaiting its possible impact on Georgia’s future political trajectory, particularly its EU aspirations. Will this be a pivotal moment for the young democracy? Only time will tell.
