Kyrgyzstan Urges Citizens to Avoid Travel to Russia
Tensions in Tbilisi Remain High as Standoff Continues Over Controversial “Foreign Agent” Law
The capital city of Tbilisi remains on edge as a standoff persists between the government and Georgian citizens who are protesting against a contentious “foreign agent” law. Large demonstrations have been taking place, with authorities attempting to disperse protesters using forceful tactics such as rubber bullets, as reported by eyewitnesses.
After blocking a main intersection in Tbilisi for about six hours, traffic was finally restored in the early hours of May 3. Despite the presence of peaceful protesters at Heroes’ Square, the police made several arrests, although the intervention against demonstrators was less aggressive compared to previous nights.
Eyewitnesses recounted incidents where individuals they described as “provocateurs” physically assaulted protesters at Heroes’ Square, fueling tensions further. The ongoing protests stem from opposition to a proposed law that would require organizations receiving over 20 percent of their funding from abroad to register as “agents of foreign influence.”
The bill, which has drawn comparisons to repressive legislation in Russia, has sparked widespread outrage in Georgia, with concerns raised about its impact on the country’s aspirations to join the European Union. Violent clashes between riot police and demonstrators on May 1 resulted in numerous injuries, with allegations of the use of rubber bullets by law enforcement officers.
Despite denials from Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Aleksandre Darakhvelidze regarding the use of rubber bullets, evidence presented by witnesses suggests otherwise. The Special Investigation Service has launched a probe into the excessive use of force against protesters, as calls for dialogue and the withdrawal of the bill continue to mount.
International condemnation of the legislation has been voiced by the European Union and the United States, with the UN human rights chief expressing concern about the treatment of protesters in Tbilisi. As demonstrations persist and plans for future protests are underway, the situation in Georgia remains tense, with the government facing mounting pressure to address the grievances of its citizens.
