The bill, endorsed by the ruling Georgian Dream party, has sparked widespread protests among Georgians who fear it could jeopardize the country’s path toward European integration by mirroring oppressive laws seen in Russia.
During the decisive third reading on May 14, lawmakers overwhelmingly voted 84 to 30 in favor of the legislation, which the ruling party has vigorously enforced using security forces equipped with water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets to quell dissenting voices among protesters.
Prior to the vote, scuffles erupted within the parliament chamber between members of the ruling party and opposition representatives, with televised footage capturing chaotic scenes of pushing and physical confrontations as the debate turned hostile.
Simultaneously, outside the parliamentary premises, a crowd of predominantly young demonstrators attempted to advance towards the building, only to be met with resistance from law enforcement officers who made multiple arrests to maintain order.
Amidst the chaos, activist Davit Katsarava was forcibly detained outside the parliament, sustaining severe injuries to his face that necessitated medical intervention, including surgery for a broken clavicle and fractured jaw.
Expressing their grievances, one protester, identified as Irakli Beradze, underscored their aspiration for freedom and European values, denouncing the bill as an embodiment of Russian-style repression that they vehemently oppose.
The proposed legislation has drawn criticism from international bodies such as the United States and the European Union, along with human rights organizations, who have condemned its likeness to Russian laws utilized by President Vladimir Putin to suppress dissent and undermine independent institutions.
In response to the escalating situation, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State James O’Brien warned of potential repercussions on Washington’s relationship with Georgia and reviewed the country’s aid policies should the bill be formally enacted.
European leaders also voiced solidarity with the Georgian protesters, emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic principles, media freedom, and adherence to the rule of law as fundamental prerequisites for European Union membership.
Despite mounting international pressure and calls for restraint, Georgian authorities continued to detain demonstrators without prior notice, leading to the arrest of 13 individuals on May 14, with reports emerging of excessive use of force by law enforcement personnel against peaceful protesters.
As the standoff persists, protesters remain resolute in their opposition to the bill, viewing it as a direct assault on Georgia’s constitutional foundations and a regressive step towards increased Russian influence, vowing to persevere in their fight for a free and democratic future.
With tensions escalating and clashes intensifying, the fate of the controversial bill hangs in the balance, raising concerns about its potential impact on Georgia’s democratic trajectory and its standing within the international community.
