50,000 protest Georgia’s foreign agent bill as US sounds alarm over ‘Kremlin-style’ law

Approximately 50,000 demonstrators marched peacefully through the Georgian capital amidst heavy rain on Saturday, protesting a "foreign agents" bill that the United States has criticized as a threat to democratic values and Georgia's Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

The White House's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, expressed deep concern about democratic regression in Georgia, urging Georgian parliamentarians to support the country's Euro-Atlantic aspirations over enacting a "Kremlin-style" foreign agents' law. He emphasized standing with the Georgian people in their opposition to the bill.

The proposed legislation mandates organizations receiving over 20% of their funding from abroad to register as "agents of foreign influence," sparking a political crisis and leading to widespread protests demanding its withdrawal.

The diverse crowd waved Georgian, European Union, and Ukrainian flags, indicating broad support for European integration and democratic values. Protesters of various ages, including many young people, voiced their determination to safeguard Georgia's future, ensure freedom of speech, and reject Russian influence.

Amid the ongoing demonstrations, parliament, controlled by the ruling Georgian Dream party, will commence committee hearings on the bill's final reading. This development has spurred fresh waves of protests organized by opposition groups.

The crisis has polarized Georgian society, with opposition parties, civil society, celebrities, and even the country's president opposing the bill. Critics label it as "the Russian law," likening it to measures used by Russia to stifle dissent.

The European Union has cautioned that passing the bill could hinder Georgia's integration efforts, while Georgian Dream argues it promotes transparency and national sovereignty. However, critics, including Sullivan, suggest the bill could isolate Georgia from Western alliances and contradict the desires of its people for Euro-Atlantic integration.