RFE/RL's Georgian Service is a trusted source of politically and financially independent journalism in a country where much of the media is aligned with the government or the opposition.
Police and protesters briefly clashed outside parliament, while inside lawmakers traded punches on the legislature floor as tensions boiled over in Tbilisi after final approval was given to a contentious "foreign agent" bill that has triggered weeks of massive protests.
The Georgian parliament's Legal Committee took just 67 seconds to advance a controversial "foreign agent" bill on May 13. Some lawmakers said they could not make it to the chamber in time due to the massive police operation outside.
There were fresh clashes in the Georgian capital Tbilisi on May 13 with police arresting 20 protesters. Tens of thousands have protested for several weeks against a "foreign agent" bill pushed forward by the ruling Georgian Dream party, which opposition groups say would curtail civil liberties.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has backed the parliament to pass a controversial "foreign agent" bill, which is seen by many as a threat to free speech and the country's drive toward membership in the European Union.
Thousands of Georgians gathered in front of the parliament in Tbilisi late on May 12 to protest against the so-called "foreign agent" bill, which opponents say would stifle civil society. Activists vowed to stay in the streets overnight ahead of the planned final reading of the bill on May 13.
As Georgian protesters prepared for another mass rally in central Tbilisi, government officials vowed to arrest demonstrators who attempt to block the parliament building ahead of discussions on the controversial "foreign agent" bill that has been condemned by the United States, the EU, and others.
Tens of thousands of Georgians marched through Tbilisi on May 11 in the latest display of opposition to legislation that would affect the work of foreign-backed NGOs. Earlier demonstrations were met with a violent police crackdown, but the May 11 protest appeared to proceed peacefully.
Tens of thousands of Georgians converged on the capital's Europe Square as protests intensified against a so-called "foreign agent" bill that has alarmed the country's Western partners for its perceived chilling effect on media and civil society.
At a Europe Day celebration in Tbilisi, EU Ambassador Pawel Herczynski told a crowd of Georgians to "keep the course toward the EU." His comments come amid an ongoing crackdown on demonstrations against a so-called "foreign agent" bill, which critics say will hurt the country's bid to join the EU.
International media and human rights organizations have appealed to Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze to withdraw a draft law on "foreign agents" and to ensure the safety of journalists and protect the freedom of the press in Georgia.
Several Georgian opposition figures were severely beaten on May 8 amid a government crackdown on mass demonstrations over a controversial bill affecting organizations that receive international funding. Footage appears to show five men attacking a member of a Georgian opposition party in Tbilisi.
Georgia’s ambassador to France has resigned in protest against the so-called “foreign agent” bill, becoming the first senior official to do so amid ongoing demonstrations in the capital, Tbilisi.
Three protesters against the so-called "foreign agents" law were attacked in Tbilisi last night by unidentified persons, Georgian Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri said on May 9, adding that he condemns "all kinds of attacks."
Georgians demonstrated in cities across the country on May 8 in the latest protests against a bill that opponents say would stifle civil society. Following a harsh police crackdown on earlier protests in Tbilisi, smaller rallies in Zugdidi, Kutaisi, and Gori took place without incident.
Demonstrators against the so-called "foreign agents" bill awaiting its final reading in Georgia's parliament have marched again in the capital in the latest show of popular opposition to the government moves to enact legislation that risks damaging Tbilisi's relations with the West.
Following weeks of mass protests in the Georgian capital, activists gathered in the small city of Telavi on May 7 to voice their anger over a bill affecting foreign-funded NGOs. Meanwhile, protests continued in Tbilisi, where people marched to the offices of the ruling Georgian Dream party.
There were fresh protests in the Black Seat port of Batumi on May 6 against a proposed "foreign agents" bill that critics say could restrict civil rights and jeopardize Georgia's bid for European Union membership.
Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili has urged a group of EU ambassadors to support the country on its "European path" at a time of high tensions, as protesters gathered at an Orthodox Easter vigil in central Tbilisi, site of mass anti-government rallies in recent days.
As protests continue in Tbilisi over a controversial "foreign agent" bill, violent incidents have ramped up. Early on May 3, witnesses recorded men dressed in black arriving to assault demonstrators. There have been widespread arrests and reports of excessive use of force by police.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has come out swinging against one of his nation’s biggest backers, accusing the United States of making "false" statements over the controversial "foreign agent" law being pushed through parliament.
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