The Georgian parliament has passed the law on "foreign agents" in the second reading: a protest action continues in Tbilisi. Video

On Wednesday, May 1, the pro-Russian parliament of Georgia passed in the second reading the scandalous draft law "On Transparency of Foreign Influence," the so-called "foreign agents" law. At the same time, a new protest has begun near the parliament building in Tbilisi.

This was reported by News Georgia. It is noted that the voting took place in parallel with large-scale protests in the capital of Georgia on Rustaveli Avenue.

The opposition did not participate in the vote. In the second reading, 83 deputies, mostly from the pro-government Georgian Dream party, voted in favor of the bill, as in the first reading. There were 23 MPs against the adoption of the law.

The bill still has to pass a third final reading before it can be passed. The date has not yet been set, but according to the BBC, the vote is expected to take place on May 17. In addition, the law must overcome the presidential veto.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said that the ruling party will not abandon the law on "foreign agents" under any circumstances, even despite the protests.

"In order for us to pacify this country in the long run, we need to pass this law. Of course, there will be demonstrations today, during the third reading, and during the override of the veto (of Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili - ed.). However, in the long run, we will insure the country against polarization and radicalism for years to come," Kobakhidze said at a briefing, calling the protests "a discomfort that must be endured."

Meanwhile, the protests in Tbilisi continue, and the situation is escalating. Demonstrators are opposed to the law on foreign agents, which the pro-Russian parliament passed in the second reading. The authorities set the police on them.

Protesters have burned a Russian flag and are trying to break into the parliament. Security forces are dispersing people with water cannons and pepper gas.

Footage from the scene was posted online.

According to the Echo of the Caucasus media outlet, security forces directed a stream of water and pepper spray at the protesters from the courtyard of the parliament. The protesters shouted: "No to Russia", "Russians", "Slaves".

The Georgian Interior Ministry said that the protesters allegedly behaved aggressively and tried to damage the front iron doors of the parliament.

"In order to restore law and order, the Ministry of Internal Affairs used special means, pepper spray and water cannons, as defined by law. The police will take measures against any actions that violate law and order," the statement said.

As reported, on Tuesday evening, April 30, protests against the draft law on "foreign agents" continued in the Georgian capital Tbilisi. During the dispersal of the protesters, police used special means and beat them. At least 20 protesters needed medical assistance.

As reported by OBOZ.UA:

On April 17, the Georgian parliament passed the law on "foreign agents" in the first reading. Immediately afterwards, President Salome Zurabishvili promised to veto the law, and thousands of people took to the streets of Georgian cities to demand the repeal of the law on "foreign agents."

The European Parliament adopted a resolution warning the Georgian authorities against adopting the scandalous "foreign agents" bill, which undermines the freedoms and rights of civil society and destroys the foundations of democracy. The European Parliament called on the European Union not to start membership negotiations with Georgia if the country adopts this document.

The UnitedStates has warned Georgia of the consequences of adopting a law on "foreign agents." If Georgia goes ahead with this step, which contradicts the country's previously declared "Western course," it could face not only a deterioration in relations with the United States, but also the termination of direct government funding, expanded visa restrictions, and sanctions against individuals.

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