Georgian student protests continue against foreign influence bill

Georgian student protests continue against foreign influence bill

Students and pupils are uniting in ongoing protests in Georgia against the foreign influence bill. 


The "Morning March" is being led by students.Students from the Academy of Arts, Theater University, and the Conservatory have joined the protest. They will march from Rustaveli Metro Station to the Ministry of Culture.


According to the participants, they will continue to hold rallies and marches until the government withdraws the bill. 


Today, at 15:00, a march is also planned in front of the Parliament of Georgia, where protestors are calling on citizens to join the strike.At 18:00, young people will gather at Rustaveli Metro Station.


The bill, which had passed through all three readings in Parliament before being vetoed, is now under reconsideration by the legislative body. With the parliamentary majority wielding over 80 votes, the support of 76 deputies is sufficient to override the veto.


Per protocol, Parliament will initially vote on the president's motivated remarks. Should they be dismissed, a subsequent vote on the bill passed in three readings, requiring at least 76 supporters, will determine whether the veto is overridden.


The constitution does not stipulate a timeframe for Parliament to decide on overriding or accepting a veto once it's been issued. Despite widespread protests in Georgia against the bill and significant criticism from partner states urging its rejection, the ruling majority of Georgian Dream passed the "Bill on Transparency of Foreign Influence" in its third reading on March 14, securing 84 votes.

The bill designates non-governmental and media organizations whose income exceeds 20 percent from abroad as entities serving the interests of a foreign power. They are required to register in a specialized registry and submit financial declarations annually, with failure resulting in a 25, 000 GEL fine upon first offense.





Students and pupils are uniting in ongoing protests in Georgia against the foreign influence bill. 


The "Morning March" is being led by students.Students from the Academy of Arts, Theater University, and the Conservatory have joined the protest. They will march from Rustaveli Metro Station to the Ministry of Culture.


According to the participants, they will continue to hold rallies and marches until the government withdraws the bill. 


Today, at 15:00, a march is also planned in front of the Parliament of Georgia, where protestors are calling on citizens to join the strike.At 18:00, young people will gather at Rustaveli Metro Station.


The bill, which had passed through all three readings in Parliament before being vetoed, is now under reconsideration by the legislative body. With the parliamentary majority wielding over 80 votes, the support of 76 deputies is sufficient to override the veto.


Per protocol, Parliament will initially vote on the president's motivated remarks. Should they be dismissed, a subsequent vote on the bill passed in three readings, requiring at least 76 supporters, will determine whether the veto is overridden.


The constitution does not stipulate a timeframe for Parliament to decide on overriding or accepting a veto once it's been issued. Despite widespread protests in Georgia against the bill and significant criticism from partner states urging its rejection, the ruling majority of Georgian Dream passed the "Bill on Transparency of Foreign Influence" in its third reading on March 14, securing 84 votes.

The bill designates non-governmental and media organizations whose income exceeds 20 percent from abroad as entities serving the interests of a foreign power. They are required to register in a specialized registry and submit financial declarations annually, with failure resulting in a 25, 000 GEL fine upon first offense.