Police use tear gas, water cannons to disperse rally in central Tbilisi

The police have used water cannons and tear gas to disperse peaceful demonstrators in central Tbilisi, following the vote on a controversial foreign agents bill and its approval with its first reading early on Tuesday. 

 

The bill proposed by former members of the ruling Georgian  Dream party who still remain in the parliamentary majority envisages the registration of domestic NGOs and media organizations as foreign agents if they receive more than 20 percent of their incomes from abroad. 

 

The bill strongly condemned by the international community has been voted for by 76 MPs in the 150-member legislative body, following the ruling party’s proposal earlier during the day to discuss the bill earlier than scheduled on Thursday. 

 

Almost all foreign partners of Georgia and domestic organizations expect the bill to “silence” the civil sector and media organizations critical to the authorities or ensure aid to other citizens if approved.