President Salome Zourabichvili.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>\"Those who sabotage and undermine this path trample upon and damage the peaceful and secure future of our country, hindering the path towards becoming a full member of the free and democratic world.\"<\/p>\n<p>But Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze hit back, saying his government was guarding the \"sovereignty and independence of Georgia.\"<\/p>\n<p>\"It was the unity and reasonable steps of the people and their elected government that gave us the opportunity to maintain peace in the country for the past two years despite existential threats and multiple betrayals, including the betrayal of the President of Georgia,\" he said.<\/p>\n<h2>'Unacceptable' to pass anyway?<\/h2><p>The legislation, passed by the parliament earlier this month, requires media, nongovernmental organisations and other non-profits to register as 'pursuing the interests of a foreign power' if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad.<\/p>\n<p>It's been deeply unpopular among Georgians, who have dubbed it the \"Russian law\" because of <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2022//06//08//us-ukraine-crisis-russia-foreignagents/">similar legislation<\/strong><\/a> enacted by Moscow in 2022, which critics saw as a means to stifle criticism of the Kremlin.<\/p>\n<p>Protesters also feel the bill is antidemocratic and could derail Georgia's chances of joining the EU. Georgia has been an official candidate country since last year, and support for membership is very high among Georgians.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6666666666666666\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//08//46//01//82//808x539_cmsv2_c430b21d-1253-59a2-a69a-ccf890405878-8460182.jpg/" alt=\"Demonstrators rally during an opposition protest against a foreign influence bill in Tbilisi, May 26, 2024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/46\/01\/82\/384x256_cmsv2_c430b21d-1253-59a2-a69a-ccf890405878-8460182.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/46\/01\/82\/640x427_cmsv2_c430b21d-1253-59a2-a69a-ccf890405878-8460182.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/46\/01\/82\/750x500_cmsv2_c430b21d-1253-59a2-a69a-ccf890405878-8460182.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/46\/01\/82\/828x552_cmsv2_c430b21d-1253-59a2-a69a-ccf890405878-8460182.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/46\/01\/82\/1080x720_cmsv2_c430b21d-1253-59a2-a69a-ccf890405878-8460182.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/46\/01\/82\/1200x800_cmsv2_c430b21d-1253-59a2-a69a-ccf890405878-8460182.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/46\/01\/82\/1920x1280_cmsv2_c430b21d-1253-59a2-a69a-ccf890405878-8460182.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Demonstrators rally during an opposition protest against a foreign influence bill in Tbilisi, May 26, 2024<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Zurab Tsertsvadze\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The bill has been met with criticism from outside Georgia, too. The Venice Commission, the Council of Europe's top constitutional law body, said Tbilisi should scrap it.<\/p>\n<p>The US State Department threatened Georgia with sanctions if it went ahead with the legislation and said Washington may have to rethink its relationship with Tbilisi.<\/p>\n<p>US lawmakers also introduced two similar bills that seek to persuade the Georgian government to ditch the \"Russian law\". The proposed acts offer visa liberalisation and opportunities to deepen <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//my-europe//2024//05//25//us-pressures-georgia-government-to-ditch-foreign-agent-law/">US-Georgia relations<\/strong><\/a> in various sectors but sanction those responsible for Georgia's possible democratic backslide.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"8432540,8458456\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2024//05//13//eu-urges-georgias-government-to-stick-with-democratic-path-to-eu-membership/">EU urges Georgia's government to stick with democratic path to EU membership<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//news//2024//05//25//us-pressures-georgia-government-to-ditch-foreign-agent-law/">US pressures Georgia government to ditch 'foreign agent' law<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>And the EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the law \"negatively impacts Georgia's progress on the EU path\".<\/p>\n<p>However, the ruling Georgian Dream party, which proposed and shelved almost identical legislation last year, says the law is necessary to maintain a national identity and promote transparency.<\/p>\n<p>Last week, Georgia's president followed through on her promise and vetoed the bill, calling it \"unacceptable\".<\/p>\n<p>Zourabichvili, who was increasingly at odds with Georgia's ruling party, said that the law contradicted the constitution and \"all European standards\".<\/p>\n<p>But the Georgian Dream party has a majority sufficient to override Zourabichvili's veto and is widely expected to do so.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1716760369,"updatedAt":1716806739,"publishedAt":1716781169,"firstPublishedAt":1716781172,"lastPublishedAt":1716781169,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Irakli Gedenidze\/Pool Photo via AP","altText":"President Salome Zourabichvili, left, and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, right, attend a celebration for Independence Day in Tbilisi, May 26, 2024","callToActionText":null,"width":4088,"caption":"President Salome Zourabichvili, left, and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, right, attend a celebration for Independence Day in Tbilisi, May 26, 2024","url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/46\/01\/82\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_0b8e55e5-6683-510e-ae57-5afd5a637671-8460182.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":2299},{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Zurab Tsertsvadze\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved","altText":"Demonstrators rally during an opposition protest against a foreign influence bill in Tbilisi, May 26, 2024","callToActionText":null,"width":6000,"caption":"Demonstrators rally during an opposition protest against a foreign influence bill in Tbilisi, May 26, 2024","url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/46\/01\/82\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_c430b21d-1253-59a2-a69a-ccf890405878-8460182.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":4000},{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Shakh Aivazov\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved","altText":"President Salome Zourabichvili leaves the podium after celebration of the Independence Day in Tbilisi, May 26, 2024","callToActionText":null,"width":3922,"caption":"President Salome Zourabichvili leaves the podium after celebration of the Independence Day in Tbilisi, May 26, 2024","url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/46\/01\/82\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_0625df5a-5e69-537a-885f-74646977c9e7-8460182.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":2615},{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Shakh Aivazov\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved","altText":" President Salome Zourabichvili, left, and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, right, attend a celebration for Independence Day in Tbilisi, May 26, 2024","callToActionText":null,"width":2603,"caption":" President Salome Zourabichvili, left, and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, right, attend a celebration for Independence Day in Tbilisi, May 26, 2024","url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/46\/01\/82\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_d9b6d952-535b-5a29-8d22-886eef696bb1-8460182.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":1735}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"urlSafeValue":"georgia","titleRaw":"Georgia","id":124,"title":"Georgia","slug":"georgia"},{"urlSafeValue":"tbilisi","titleRaw":"Tbilisi","id":4055,"title":"Tbilisi","slug":"tbilisi"},{"urlSafeValue":"russia","titleRaw":"Russia","id":239,"title":"Russia","slug":"russia"},{"urlSafeValue":"eu-membership","titleRaw":"EU membership","id":29362,"title":"EU 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News"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":104,"urlSafeValue":"europe","title":"Europe"},"country":{"id":124,"urlSafeValue":"georgia","title":"Georgia","url":"\/news\/europe\/georgia"},"town":[],"grapeshot":"'gv_safe','gb_safe','gb_safe_from_high','gb_safe_from_high_med','gs_politics_misc','gs_politics_issues_policy','gs_politics'","versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"path":"\/my-europe\/2024\/05\/27\/georgias-president-prime-minister-trade-barbs-over-vetoed-foreign-influence-law","lastModified":1716781169},{"id":2549590,"cid":8458456,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":"240525_E3SU_55630593","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"GEORGIA UNREST","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"US pressures Georgia government to ditch 'foreign agent' law","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":null,"titleListing2":"US pressures Georgia government to ditch 'foreign agent' law","leadin":"Lawmakers in Washington are introducing two similar bills that seek to persuade the Georgian government to ditch a controversial \"Russian law\".","summary":"Lawmakers in Washington are introducing two similar bills that seek to persuade the Georgian government to ditch a controversial \"Russian law\".","keySentence":"","url":"us-pressures-georgia-government-to-ditch-foreign-agent-law","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/news\/2024\/05\/25\/us-pressures-georgia-government-to-ditch-foreign-agent-law","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"US lawmakers are moving to persuade the Georgian government not to adopt the controversial \"Russian law.\" \n\nThe law compels media and NGOs to register as \"foreign agents\" if they receive more than 20% of their funding abroad.\u00a0 \n\nIt was recently passed in Georgia, despite mass protests.\u00a0 \n\nThe proposed US initiatives are called the \"Mobilizing and Enhancing George's Options for Building Accountability, Resilience and Independence\" (MEGOBARI) and the Georgian People's Act.\u00a0 \n\nThe acts offer visa liberalisation and opportunities to deepen US-Georgia relations in various sectors, but sanction those responsible for Georgia's possible democratic backslide.\u00a0 \n\nCritics claim the law - put forward by the ruling Georgian Dream party - could be used to stifle media freedom and critical voices.\u00a0 \n\nSimilar legislation adopted in Russia was used to suppress opposition to the Kremlin.\u00a0 \n\nThe US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced a visa restriction against Georgian officials linked to the controversial bill. \n\nIn response, the Georgian Dream party accused the US of emotional blackmail.\u00a0 \n\nIn a statement published by the party, they said blackmail goes against the spirit of partnership that should be established between two sovereign states. \n\n","htmlText":"<p>US lawmakers are moving to persuade the Georgian government not to adopt the controversial \"Russian law.\"<\/p>\n<p>The law compels media and NGOs to register as \"foreign agents\" if they receive more than 20% of their funding abroad.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>It was recently passed in Georgia, despite mass protests.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The proposed US initiatives are called the \"Mobilizing and Enhancing George's Options for Building Accountability, Resilience and Independence\" (MEGOBARI) and the Georgian People's Act.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The acts offer visa liberalisation and opportunities to deepen US-Georgia relations in various sectors, but sanction those responsible for Georgia's possible democratic backslide.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Critics claim the law - put forward by the ruling Georgian Dream party - could be used to stifle media freedom and critical voices.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Similar legislation adopted in Russia was used to suppress opposition to the Kremlin.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced a visa restriction against Georgian officials linked to the controversial bill.<\/p>\n<p>In response, the Georgian Dream party accused the US of emotional blackmail.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In a statement published by the party, they said blackmail goes against the spirit of partnership that should be established between two sovereign states.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1716627972,"updatedAt":1716655330,"publishedAt":1716650463,"firstPublishedAt":1716650465,"lastPublishedAt":1716650463,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/45\/82\/18\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_70838ebb-318d-59f9-967f-80a9cc87611a-8458218.jpg","altText":"Demonstrators hold a Georgian national flag during protest against \"the Russian law\" in the center of Tbilisi (AP Photo\/Zurab Tsertsvadze)","caption":"Demonstrators hold a Georgian national flag during protest against \"the Russian law\" in the center of Tbilisi (AP Photo\/Zurab Tsertsvadze)","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Zurab Tsertsvadze\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":683}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":10597,"slug":"georgia-politics","urlSafeValue":"georgia-politics","title":"Georgia politics","titleRaw":"Georgia politics"},{"id":28568,"slug":"us-government","urlSafeValue":"us-government","title":"US government ","titleRaw":"US government "},{"id":27384,"slug":"european-political-community","urlSafeValue":"european-political-community","title":"European Political Community","titleRaw":"European Political Community"}],"widgets":[],"related":[{"id":2541504},{"id":2548988},{"id":2546694}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"QYWvGxrwXTM","dailymotionId":"x8z2o2s"},"video":1,"videos":[{"duration":63960,"editor":"","filesizeBytes":8274955,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/E3\/SU\/24\/05\/25\/en\/240525_E3SU_55630593_55632252_63960_182530_en.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"md"},{"duration":63960,"editor":"","filesizeBytes":12321291,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/E3\/SU\/24\/05\/25\/en\/240525_E3SU_55630593_55632252_63960_182530_en.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"hd"}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"Euronews","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"europe-news","urlSafeValue":"europe-news","title":"Europe News","online":1,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/my-europe\/europe-news\/europe-news"},"vertical":"my-europe","verticals":[{"id":2,"slug":"my-europe","urlSafeValue":"my-europe","title":"My Europe"},{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":2,"slug":"my-europe","urlSafeValue":"my-europe","title":"My Europe"},"themes":[{"id":"europe-news","urlSafeValue":"europe-news","title":"Europe News","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/my-europe\/europe-news"},{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":56,"urlSafeValue":"europe-news","title":"Europe News"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":104,"urlSafeValue":"europe","title":"Europe"},"country":{"id":124,"urlSafeValue":"georgia","title":"Georgia","url":"\/news\/europe\/georgia"},"town":[],"grapeshot":"'gv_safe','gb_safe_from_high','gs_science_geography','gs_science','gs_society','gb_sensitive_edu','gb_sensitive_high_med','gb_sensitive_high_med_low','gb_sensitive_news-ent','gs_society_misc','gs_politics','gs_politics_issues_policy','gs_politics_misc'","versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"path":"\/my-europe\/2024\/05\/25\/us-pressures-georgia-government-to-ditch-foreign-agent-law","lastModified":1716650463},{"id":2541504,"cid":8432826,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":"240607_WTSU_55528032","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":1,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"WT-32-EU ep32 - Georgia Protests - MASTER","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Georgia at the crossroads as foreign influence law deepens divisions ","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":null,"titleListing2":"Georgia at the crossroads as foreign influence law deepens divisions ","leadin":"Tensions in Georgia over a divisive foreign influence law have exploded onto the streets, with protests against it occurring on an almost daily basis. Valerie Gauriat went to the country to find out more, for Euronews Witness.","summary":"Tensions in Georgia over a divisive foreign influence law have exploded onto the streets, with protests against it occurring on an almost daily basis. Valerie Gauriat went to the country to find out more, for Euronews Witness.","keySentence":"","url":"georgia-at-the-crossroads-as-foreign-influence-law-deepens-divisions","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2024\/05\/24\/georgia-at-the-crossroads-as-foreign-influence-law-deepens-divisions","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"The law on \u201ctransparency of foreign influence\u201d passed in Parliament of Georgia on 14th May despite weeks of almost daily demonstrations, continues to cause a public outcry.\u00a0Opponents to the law say it is inspired by Moscow, and could compromise the country\u2019s European destiny.\u00a0 \n\n\u201cThis law is against democracy, it is against human rights\u201d, says Mamuka Kotetishvili a scientist, standing with his family in front of the Georgian Parliament among several thousand protesters. \u201cIt will affect not only the governance instances, but all fields of activity in Georgia, from the health system to the agricultural system.\u201d he adds. \n\nThousands of NGOs impacted \n\nThe Georgian law on \u201ctransparency of foreign influence\u201d requires any entity of which more than 20% of the funds come from abroad to register as an \u201corganisation carrying out the interests of a foreign power\u201d and to submit to administrative control by the State. \n\nSome 25,000 NGOs operating in all sectors of activity are concerned .\u00a0Critics say what they call the \u201cRussian law\u201d is inspired by similar legislation passed in Russia in 2012, which has led to the muzzling of any voices considered critical to the Kremlin. \n\nThose dedicated to defending the rule of law, and independent media, say they are most at risk. \n\n\u201cBeing labelled as pursuing foreign interests has only negative connotations. This implies we are foreign agents. Working under this label will completely destroy trust in the media.\u201d says Lika Zakashvili, co-founder and Editor-in-chief of the online media, Publika. \n\n\u201cAnd according to this law, the Ministry of Justice is authorized to access organisations and process personal information.\u00a0This is particularly dangerous for media organisations, because we store the personal information of our sources. And it\u2019s dangerous for absolutely everyone.\" \n\nThreats and intimidation \n\nThe journalist and her colleagues have been subject to threats and intimidation attempts . So has Nino Dolidze, head of the Georgian branch of ISFED , a well-known election monitoring body. \n\n\u201cThis government just decided to shut down all the organisations who are talking about the problems because they see that it's kind of threat for them to maintain their power. Our goal is to support free and fair elections of our country, and it is not the interest of any other country.\u201d, she says. \n\n\u201cWe will never register in this kind of registry, which means that it will create problems for us. There will be penalties, fines. And it will end up with the shutting down of the organisations which are working on free and fair elections, corruption, independence of judiciary, human rights, rule of law and all watchdog type of activities. At the end of the day, the government is okay with that, because they will silence all free voices.\u201d \n\nAlarm in Brussels \n\nThe government and its party deny any similarity with Russian legislation, and say the fears of European officials, who are calling for the withdrawal of the law , are unfounded. \n\nBrussels has warned that Georgia's accession process to the European Union, which began last winter, could be hindered. \n\nMaka Botchorishvili , the head of the Committee on European integration at the Georgian Dream Party says the law is being given an unfair trial. \n\n\u201cThere are issues of, transparency when it comes to the financing of these organizations. Today we are talking about increased, participation of these organisations in the political decision-making process of Georgia. It is important to have full transparency for our citizens, and know who is behind their political positions and why,\u201d says the MP.\u201d \n\n\u201cThis is just about registering organisations, and the article where they have the obligation to register, says this law cannot be used against the functioning of civil society organisations. And we are ready to discuss any legal recommendations regarding this legislation , if we need to bring it closer to European standards.\u201d \n\nPresidential veto \n\nThe law\u2019s Russian inspiration however makes no doubt for Salome Zourabichvili, the President of Georgia. She has vetoed the law , and demands its outright repeal. \n\n\u201cThis law which decrees our partners for 30 years, and European or American friends, as being those who are suspected of wanting to destabilise the country, constitutes a real obstacle, I even used the word sabotage of our European path\u201d, she slams. \n\nThe ruling party could however, circumvent the President\u2019s veto by a new vote in Parliament. \n\n\u201cThis law will pass, the veto will be overridden, or the law will be modified in a marginal and insignificant way. So the important thing today is to move towards the 26th of October elections.\u201d, stated Salome Zourabichvili. \n\n\u201cThrough elections we will have a referendum on Europe. And the European Union must say very clearly that the country will not be sanctioned until its response is known through the ballot box.\u201d \n\nProtesters vow to continue \n\nAccording to opinion polls , more than 80 percent of Georgians want to see their country join the European Union. \n\nBut an ideological battle is being fought between supporters of the Western model and the most conservative part of society, largely favorable to the government. \n\nA sociology student, Megi, 22, is convinced that much\u00a0will depend on the country\u2019s \u201cGeneration Z\u201d, which has been at the forefront of the protests. \n\n\u201cThis fight is not just \u201cNo to Russian Law\u201d anymore, it\u2019s \u201cNo to the Russian Regime and Yes to Europe\u201d, she exclaims. \u201cWe are going to gather every day, we need to fight. And we are preparing for the elections. Because we want to live in a free country.\u201d \n\nTo see the episode in full click on the video above \n\n","htmlText":"<p>The law on <strong><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////agenda.ge//en//news//2024//39253#gsc.tab=0\">\u201ctransparency of foreign influence\u201d<\/a><\/strong> passed in Parliament of Georgia on 14th May despite weeks of almost daily demonstrations, continues to cause a public outcry.\u00a0Opponents to the law say it is inspired by Moscow, and could compromise the country\u2019s European destiny.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis law is against democracy, it is against human rights\u201d, says Mamuka Kotetishvili a scientist, standing with his family in front of the Georgian Parliament among several thousand protesters. \u201cIt will affect not only the governance instances, but all fields of activity in Georgia, from the health system to the agricultural system.\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n<h2>Thousands of NGOs impacted<\/h2><p><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.coe.int//en//web//portal//-//georgia-should-repeal-the-law-on-transparency-of-foreign-influence-in-its-current-form-says-venice-commission/">The Georgian law<\/strong><\/a> on \u201ctransparency of foreign influence\u201d requires any entity of which more than 20% of the funds come from abroad to register as an \u201corganisation carrying out the interests of a foreign power\u201d and to submit to administrative control by the State.<\/p>\n<p><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.politico.eu//article//georgia-parliament-pass-foreign-agent-russian-law-amid-pro-eu-protest-crackdown-tbilisi///">Some 25,000 NGOs operating in all sectors of activity are concerned<\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0Critics say what they call the \u201cRussian law\u201d is inspired by similar legislation passed in Russia in 2012, which has led to the muzzling of any voices considered critical to the Kremlin.<\/p>\n<p>Those dedicated to defending the rule of law, and independent media, say they are most at risk.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBeing labelled as pursuing foreign interests has only negative connotations. This implies we are foreign agents. Working under this label will completely destroy trust in the media.\u201d says Lika Zakashvili, co-founder and Editor-in-chief of the online media, Publika.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd according to this law, the Ministry of Justice is authorized to access organisations and process personal information.\u00a0This is particularly dangerous for media organisations, because we store the personal information of our sources. And it\u2019s dangerous for absolutely everyone.\"<\/p>\n<h2>Threats and intimidation<\/h2><p>The journalist and her colleagues have been <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////cpj.org//2024//05//georgian-journalists-threatened-after-covering-foreign-agent-law-protests///">subject to threats and intimidation attempts<\/strong><\/a>. So has Nino Dolidze, head of the Georgian branch of <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.isfed.ge//eng///">ISFED, a well-known election monitoring body.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis government just decided to shut down all the organisations who are talking about the problems because they see that it's kind of threat for them to maintain their power. Our goal is to support free and fair elections of our country, and it is not the interest of any other country.\u201d, she says.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe will never register in this kind of registry, which means that it will create problems for us. There will be penalties, fines. And it will end up with the shutting down of the organisations which are working on free and fair elections, corruption, independence of judiciary, human rights, rule of law and all watchdog type of activities. At the end of the day, the government is okay with that, because they will silence all free voices.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Alarm in Brussels<\/h2><p><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////civil.ge//archives//599588/">The government and its party deny<\/strong><\/a> any similarity with Russian legislation, and say the fears of <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.eeas.europa.eu//eeas//georgia-statement-high-representative-josep-borrell-with-european-commission-adoption_en/">European officials, who are calling for the withdrawal of the law<\/a>, are unfounded.<\/p>\n<p>Brussels has warned that Georgia's accession process to the European Union, which began last winter, could be hindered.<\/p>\n<p><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////georgiatoday.ge//mp-maka-botchorishvili-on-the-foreign-agents-bill-and-georgias-chances-at-eu-integration-under-georgian-dream-leadership///">Maka Botchorishvili<\/a>, the head of the Committee on European integration at the Georgian Dream Party says the law is being given an unfair trial.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere are issues of, transparency when it comes to the financing of these organizations. Today we are talking about increased, participation of these organisations in the political decision-making process of Georgia. It is important to have full transparency for our citizens, and know who is behind their political positions and why,\u201d says the MP.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis is just about registering organisations, and the article where they have the obligation to register, says this law cannot be used against the functioning of civil society organisations. And we are ready to discuss any <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////georgiatoday.ge//venice-commission-strongly-recommends-repealing-law-on-transparency-of-foreign-influence///">legal recommendations regarding this legislation<\/a>, if we need to bring it closer to European standards.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Presidential veto<\/h2><p>The law\u2019s Russian inspiration however makes <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////fr.euronews.com//video//2024//05//17//salome-zourabichvili-il-ny-a-pas-de-tentation-de-retour-dans-le-giron-russe-en-georgie/">no doubt for Salome Zourabichvili,<\/strong><\/a> the President of Georgia. She has <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////agenda.ge//en//news//2024//39194#gsc.tab=0\">vetoed the law<\/a>, and demands its outright repeal.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis law which decrees our partners for 30 years, and European or American friends, as being those who are suspected of wanting to destabilise the country, constitutes a real obstacle, I even used the word sabotage of our European path\u201d, she slams.<\/p>\n<p>The ruling party could however, circumvent the President\u2019s veto by a new vote in Parliament.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis law will pass, the veto will be overridden, or the law will be modified in a marginal and insignificant way. So the important thing today is to move towards the 26th of October elections.\u201d, stated Salome Zourabichvili.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThrough elections we will have a referendum on Europe. And the European Union must say very clearly that the country will not be sanctioned until its response is known through the ballot box.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Protesters vow to continue<\/h2><p><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.ndi.org//publications//ndi-poll-georgian-citizens-remain-committed-eu-membership-nation-united-its-dreams-and/">According to opinion polls<\/strong><\/a>, more than 80 percent of Georgians want to see their country join the European Union.<\/p>\n<p>But an ideological battle is being fought between supporters of the Western model and the most conservative part of society, largely favorable to the government.<\/p>\n<p>A sociology student, Megi, 22, is convinced that much\u00a0will depend on the country\u2019s \u201cGeneration Z\u201d, which has been at the forefront of the protests.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis fight is not just \u201cNo to Russian Law\u201d anymore, it\u2019s \u201cNo to the Russian Regime and Yes to Europe\u201d, she exclaims. \u201cWe are going to gather every day, we need to fight. And we are preparing for the elections. Because we want to live in a free country.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>To see the episode in full click on the video above<\/strong><\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1715613708,"updatedAt":1716571121,"publishedAt":1716570045,"firstPublishedAt":1716560711,"lastPublishedAt":1716570045,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/28\/28\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_f5ece0aa-ddcb-5b7f-a1df-39f3b12293d1-8432828.jpg","altText":null,"caption":null,"captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/28\/28\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_89e24d62-5c8e-598a-957c-c807dbe3d803-8432828.jpg","altText":null,"caption":null,"captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[{"urlSafeValue":"gauriat","title":"Val\u00e9rie 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politics"},{"id":124,"slug":"georgia","urlSafeValue":"georgia","title":"Georgia","titleRaw":"Georgia"}],"widgets":[],"related":[],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"wCJeNIzhW0M","dailymotionId":"x8z0wi6"},"video":1,"videos":[{"duration":600000,"editor":"","filesizeBytes":75802086,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/WT\/SU\/24\/06\/07\/en\/240607_WTSU_55528032_55604214_600000_175615_en.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"md"},{"duration":600000,"editor":"","filesizeBytes":115450854,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/WT\/SU\/24\/06\/07\/en\/240607_WTSU_55528032_55604214_600000_175615_en.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"hd"}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"euronews-witness","urlSafeValue":"euronews-witness","title":"euronews 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VARHELYI APOLOGY GEORGIAN PM","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"EU enlargement chief says mix-up led to Georgian PM's death threats claim","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"EU's V\u00e1rhelyi says mix-up led to Georgian PM's death threats claim","titleListing2":"EU enlargement chief says mix-up led to Georgian PM's death threat claim","leadin":"Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze claimed on Thursday that European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Oliv\u00e9r V\u00e1rhelyi mentioned the recent attack on Slovakia's Robert Fico in an attempt to persuade him to drop the contentious \"Russian law\".","summary":"Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze claimed on Thursday that European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Oliv\u00e9r V\u00e1rhelyi mentioned the recent attack on Slovakia's Robert Fico in an attempt to persuade him to drop the contentious \"Russian law\".","keySentence":"","url":"eu-enlargement-chief-says-mix-up-led-to-georgian-pms-death-threats-claim","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2024\/05\/24\/eu-enlargement-chief-says-mix-up-led-to-georgian-pms-death-threats-claim","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"As tensions over the so-called \"Russian law\" continue to brew in Tbilisi, the EU's enlargement commissioner was forced to issue an apology after being accused by the Georgian prime minister of making threats to his life. \n\nIn a lengthy Facebook post, Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze claimed on Thursday that a long phone conversation between the two turned sour when the European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Oliv\u00e9r V\u00e1rhelyi drew parallels between the tense situation in Georgia and the recent shooting of Slovak PM Robert Fico. \n\nV\u00e1rhelyi allegedly said, \"look what happened to (Slovak PM Robert) Fico, you have to be very careful,\" according to\u00a0Kobakhidze. \n\nAlthough he wasn't directly named in Kobakhidze's Facebook post,\u00a0V\u00e1rhelyi issued an immediate response, claiming his intentions were misunderstood, effectively identifying himself as the unnamed EU official in question. \n\n\"I would like to express my very sincere regret that a certain part of my phone conversation was taken out of context,\" V\u00e1rhelyi said in a statement on Thursday.\u00a0 \n\n\"During my phone conversation I felt the need to call the attention of the prime minister on the importance not to enflame further the already fragile situation,\" the EU's enlargement chief explained. \n\n\"In this regard, the latest tragic event in Slovakia was made as an example and as a reference to where such high level of polarisation can lead in a society even in Europe.\" \n\nThe Slovakian prime minister was shot five times in an assassination attempt after a government meeting in the central town of Handlov\u00e1 last Wednesday. Many, including his cabinet members, have blamed the ever-increasing political polarisation in Slovakia for the attempt on his life. \n\n'Global war party' gets blamed again \n\nKobakhidze, who has been under fire for backing the controversial \"foreign influence\" law that sparked major protests in Georgia after it was passed in the parliament last week, further claimed that the attack on Fico was part of a plot by an alleged international meddler he described as \"Global War Party\". No such parties formally exist. \n\nHe and other Georgian Dream party officials have blamed this enigmatic worldwide party, which draws from several popular conspiracy theories, for stirring up trouble in his country, starting with the Russian invasion of Georgia in 2008. \n\nAlthough\u00a0Kobakhidze and other party members have never provided any credible proof of the existence of such a party, the term has been used to point fingers at domestic politicians and foreign institutions seen as opponents of the Georgian Dream, including the European Commission, the US State Department, and Swiss banks. \n\nCritics of the \"foreign influence\" law have likened it to a similar law in Russia, which has been extensively used by President Vladimir Putin to further silence any dissenting voices, especially after Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. \n\nThis is not the first time\u00a0V\u00e1rhelyi had to apologise for his words. In February 2023,\u00a0MEPs called for V\u00e1rhelyi's resignation after he appeared to refer to them as \"idiots\" in a hot-mic moment during a plenary session. \n\nV\u00e1rhelyi said that he regretted what he described as a \"misunderstanding\", stating that his comments were \"taken out of context\" in the aftermath of the incident. \n\nLast October,\u00a0V\u00e1rhelyi found himself in hot water once more after he went solo and misleadingly announced the suspension of \"all payments\" to the Palestinian authorities in the early days of the Israel-Hamas war. This prompted a cross-party coalition of 73 MEPs to demand his resignation once more. \n\nGeorgia has been a candidate for EU membership since last December, joining Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine in their pursuit of full membership in the union. \n\n","htmlText":"<p>As tensions over the so-called \"Russian law\" continue to brew in Tbilisi, the EU's enlargement commissioner was forced to issue an apology after being accused by the Georgian prime minister of making threats to his life.<\/p>\n<p>In a lengthy Facebook post, Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze claimed on Thursday that a long phone conversation between the two turned sour when the European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Oliv\u00e9r V\u00e1rhelyi drew parallels between the tense situation in Georgia and the recent shooting of Slovak PM Robert Fico.<\/p>\n<p>V\u00e1rhelyi allegedly said, \"look what happened to (Slovak PM Robert) Fico, you have to be very careful,\" according to\u00a0Kobakhidze.<\/p>\n<p>Although he wasn't directly named in Kobakhidze's Facebook post,\u00a0V\u00e1rhelyi issued an immediate response, claiming his intentions were misunderstood, effectively identifying himself as the unnamed EU official in question.<\/p>\n<p>\"I would like to express my very sincere regret that a certain part of my phone conversation was taken out of context,\" V\u00e1rhelyi said in a statement on Thursday.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\"During my phone conversation I felt the need to call the attention of the prime minister on the importance not to enflame further the already fragile situation,\" the EU's enlargement chief explained.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"8431720,8441694\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2024//05//17//slovaks-fear-attack-on-prime-minister-could-deepen-political-divide/">Slovaks fear Fico assassination attempt could deepen country's political divide<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2024//05//13//is-georgias-foreign-influence-law-about-to-become-a-source-of-new-troubles-for-europe/">Is Georgia's 'foreign influence' law about to become a source of new troubles for Europe?<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>\"In this regard, the latest tragic event in Slovakia was made as an example and as a reference to where such high level of polarisation can lead in a society even in Europe.\"<\/p>\n<p>The Slovakian prime minister was shot five times in an assassination attempt after a government meeting in the central town of Handlov\u00e1 last Wednesday. Many, including his cabinet members, have blamed the ever-increasing political polarisation in Slovakia for the attempt on his life.<\/p>\n<h2>'Global war party' gets blamed again<\/h2><p>Kobakhidze, who has been under fire for backing the controversial \"foreign influence\" law that sparked major protests in Georgia after it was passed in the parliament last week, further claimed that the attack on Fico was part of a plot by an alleged international meddler he described as \"Global War Party\". No such parties formally exist.<\/p>\n<p>He and other Georgian Dream party officials have blamed this enigmatic worldwide party, which draws from several popular conspiracy theories, for stirring up trouble in his country, starting with the Russian invasion of Georgia in 2008.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6669921875\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//08//44//46//58//808x539_cmsv2_b0bb195a-5b2f-556e-8333-0d30b296f3fe-8444658.jpg/" alt=\"Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze attends a celebration of the Day of Family Purity in the center of Tbilisi, 17 May 2024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/44\/46\/58\/384x256_cmsv2_b0bb195a-5b2f-556e-8333-0d30b296f3fe-8444658.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/44\/46\/58\/640x427_cmsv2_b0bb195a-5b2f-556e-8333-0d30b296f3fe-8444658.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/44\/46\/58\/750x500_cmsv2_b0bb195a-5b2f-556e-8333-0d30b296f3fe-8444658.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/44\/46\/58\/828x552_cmsv2_b0bb195a-5b2f-556e-8333-0d30b296f3fe-8444658.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/44\/46\/58\/1080x720_cmsv2_b0bb195a-5b2f-556e-8333-0d30b296f3fe-8444658.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/44\/46\/58\/1200x800_cmsv2_b0bb195a-5b2f-556e-8333-0d30b296f3fe-8444658.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/44\/46\/58\/1920x1281_cmsv2_b0bb195a-5b2f-556e-8333-0d30b296f3fe-8444658.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze attends a celebration of the Day of Family Purity in the center of Tbilisi, 17 May 2024<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AP Photo\/Zurab Tsertsvadze<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Although\u00a0Kobakhidze and other party members have never provided any credible proof of the existence of such a party, the term has been used to point fingers at domestic politicians and foreign institutions seen as opponents of the Georgian Dream, including the European Commission, the US State Department, and Swiss banks.<\/p>\n<p>Critics of the \"foreign influence\" law have likened it to a similar law in Russia, which has been extensively used by President Vladimir Putin to further silence any dissenting voices, especially after Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"8436802,7973334\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//my-europe//2024//05//15//borrell-denounces-georgias-russian-law-and-demands-its-withdrawal/">Borrell denounces Georgia's 'Russian law' and demands its withdrawal<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//my-europe//2023//10//17//over-70-meps-call-for-the-resignation-of-commissioner-varhelyi-after-fiasco-over-palestini/">Over 70 MEPs call for the resignation of Commissioner V\u00e1rhelyi after fiasco over Palestinian aid<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>This is not the first time\u00a0V\u00e1rhelyi had to apologise for his words. In February 2023,\u00a0MEPs called for V\u00e1rhelyi's resignation after he appeared to refer to them as \"idiots\" in a hot-mic moment during a plenary session.<\/p>\n<p>V\u00e1rhelyi said that he regretted what he described as a \"misunderstanding\", stating that his comments were \"taken out of context\" in the aftermath of the incident.<\/p>\n<p>Last October,\u00a0V\u00e1rhelyi found himself in hot water once more after he went solo and misleadingly announced the suspension of \"all payments\" to the Palestinian authorities in the early days of the Israel-Hamas war. This prompted a cross-party coalition of 73 MEPs to demand his resignation once more.<\/p>\n<p>Georgia has been a candidate for EU membership since last December, joining Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine in their pursuit of full membership in the union.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1716540705,"updatedAt":1716549473,"publishedAt":1716545205,"firstPublishedAt":1716545208,"lastPublishedAt":1716545205,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo\/Franc Zhurda","altText":"EU Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi speaks during a press conference in Tirana, 6 October 2023","callToActionText":null,"width":1600,"caption":"EU Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi speaks during a press conference in Tirana, 6 October 2023","url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/45\/64\/48\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_16056cee-b952-5a7a-8520-8048963acb99-8456448.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":900},{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo\/Zurab Tsertsvadze","altText":"Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze attends a celebration of the Day of Family Purity in the center of Tbilisi, 17 May 2024","callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"caption":"Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze attends a celebration of the Day of Family Purity in the center of Tbilisi, 17 May 2024","url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/44\/46\/58\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_b0bb195a-5b2f-556e-8333-0d30b296f3fe-8444658.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":683}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"urlSafeValue":"brezar","twitter":"@brezaleksandar","title":"Aleksandar Brezar"}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"urlSafeValue":"georgia","titleRaw":"Georgia","id":124,"title":"Georgia","slug":"georgia"},{"urlSafeValue":"georgia-politics","titleRaw":"Georgia politics","id":10597,"title":"Georgia politics","slug":"georgia-politics"},{"urlSafeValue":"oliver-varhelyi","titleRaw":"Oliver Varhelyi","id":21826,"title":"Oliver Varhelyi","slug":"oliver-varhelyi"},{"urlSafeValue":"robert-fico","titleRaw":"Robert Fico","id":29192,"title":"Robert Fico","slug":"robert-fico"},{"urlSafeValue":"eu-commission","titleRaw":"European Commission","id":90,"title":"European Commission","slug":"eu-commission"}],"widgets":[{"count":1,"slug":"image"},{"count":2,"slug":"related"}],"related":[],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":[],"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"endDate":0,"startDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"world 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COUNCIL OF EUROPE REAX","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Venice Commission advises Georgia to scrap 'foreign influence' law","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Venice Commission advises Georgia to scrap 'foreign influence' law","titleListing2":"Venice Commission advises Georgia to scrap 'foreign influence' law","leadin":"Georgia should repeal the \"foreign influence\" law that has sparked mass protests, the Council of Europe's top constitutional law body said on Tuesday.","summary":"Georgia should repeal the \"foreign influence\" law that has sparked mass protests, the Council of Europe's top constitutional law body said on Tuesday.","keySentence":"","url":"georgia-should-scrap-foreign-influence-law-council-of-europe","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2024\/05\/22\/georgia-should-scrap-foreign-influence-law-council-of-europe","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Georgia should repeal its divisive \"foreign influence\" law, according to the Council of Europe's Venice Commission. \n\nThe law, which the Georgian parliament approved in the final reading last week,\u00a0would require media and NGOs to register as \"foreign agents\" if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad.\u00a0\u00a0 \n\nIt has sparked mass protests amid fears the law could curb press freedom and opposition voices. The Kremlin used similar legislation to stifle opposition voices, leading critics in Georgia to dub it \"the Russian law.\"\u00a0 \n\nThe Venice Commission said on Tuesday the government's adopting of the law \"left no space for genuine discussion and meaningful consultation, in open disregard for the concerns of large parts of the Georgian people.\" \n\n\"This manner of proceeding does not meet the European requirements of democratic law-making,\" it added. \n\nGeorgia's government says the bill is necessary to stem what it deems as harmful foreign influence over the country\u2019s politics and to prevent unspecified foreign actors from trying to destabilise it.\u00a0 \n\nProtesters have reportedly been met with heavy violence from police in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi.\u00a0 \n\nThe EU has consistently denounced the law, saying it could jeopardise Georgian ambitions to join the bloc, which became an EU candidate in December.\u00a0 \n\nHowever, the union has stopped short of outlining any explicit reprisals or consequences for the accession process. \n\nA poll released last year showed that 89% of the Georgian population support EU membership, and 80% support NATO membership. \n\nIn the same survey, 87% of respondents named Russia the greatest political and economic threat. \n\nThe Council of Europe (CoE) and its Venice Commission\u00a0\u2014 also known as the European Commission for Democracy Through Law \u2014 have no legal recourse to reverse Georgia's decision on the law.\u00a0 \n\nHowever, if the law is brought to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), Georgia will be technically bound by its decision as a CoE member state.\u00a0 \n\n","htmlText":"<p>Georgia should repeal its divisive \"foreign influence\" law, according to the Council of Europe's Venice Commission.<\/p>\n<p>The law, which the Georgian parliament approved in the final reading last week,\u00a0would require media and NGOs to register as \"foreign agents\" if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>It has sparked mass protests amid fears the law could curb press freedom and opposition voices. The Kremlin used similar legislation to stifle opposition voices, leading critics in Georgia to dub it \"the Russian law.\"\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The Venice Commission said on Tuesday the government's adopting of the law \"left no space for genuine discussion and meaningful consultation, in open disregard for the concerns of large parts of the Georgian people.\"<\/p>\n<p>\"This manner of proceeding does not meet the European requirements of democratic law-making,\" it added.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-euronews\nwidget--size-fullwidth\nwidget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <div class=\"auto widget__ratio widget__ratio--16x9\">\n <iframe type=\"text\/html\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//embed//2542280/" width=\"100%\" loading=\"lazy\" frameborder=\"0\" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen seamless>\n <\/iframe>\n <\/div>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Georgia's government says the bill is necessary to stem what it deems as harmful foreign influence over the country\u2019s politics and to prevent unspecified foreign actors from trying to destabilise it.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Protesters have reportedly been met with heavy violence from police in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The EU has consistently <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//my-europe//2024//05//15//borrell-denounces-georgias-russian-law-and-demands-its-withdrawal/">denounced the law, saying it could jeopardise Georgian ambitions to join the bloc, which became an EU candidate in December.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>However, the union has stopped short of outlining any explicit reprisals or consequences for the accession process.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"8437174,8444980\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2024//05//18//georgias-president-vetoes-media-law-thats-provoked-weeks-of-protests/">Georgia's president vetoes media law that's provoked weeks of protests<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2024//05//15//law-passed-in-georgia-step-in-wrong-direction-says-nato-spokesperson/">Law passed in Georgia 'step in wrong direction,' says NATO spokesperson<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>A poll released last year showed that 89% of the Georgian population support EU membership, and 80% support NATO membership.<\/p>\n<p>In the same survey, 87% of respondents named Russia the greatest political and economic threat.<\/p>\n<p>The Council of Europe (CoE) and its Venice Commission\u00a0\u2014 also known as the European Commission for Democracy Through Law \u2014 have no legal recourse to reverse Georgia's decision on the law.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>However, if the law is brought to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), Georgia will be technically bound by its decision as a CoE member state.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1716337285,"updatedAt":1716384244,"publishedAt":1716358623,"firstPublishedAt":1716358626,"lastPublishedAt":1716358623,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Associated Press","altText":"A woman holds a Georgian national and an EU flags while protesting \"the Russian law\" near the Parliament building in the center of Tbilisi, Georgia, Tuesday, May 14, 2024.","callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"caption":"A woman holds a Georgian national and an EU flags while protesting \"the Russian law\" near the Parliament building in the center of Tbilisi, Georgia, Tuesday, May 14, 2024.","url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/45\/09\/50\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_28f2d53a-a1f3-50ae-8896-591d04737bc5-8450950.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":683}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"urlSafeValue":"politics","titleRaw":"Politics","id":9979,"title":"Politics","slug":"politics"},{"urlSafeValue":"georgia","titleRaw":"Georgia","id":124,"title":"Georgia","slug":"georgia"},{"urlSafeValue":"european-union","titleRaw":"European Union","id":105,"title":"European Union","slug":"european-union"},{"urlSafeValue":"council-of-europe","titleRaw":"Council of Europe","id":60,"title":"Council of 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Hardy","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"world 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2 GEORGIA PROTEST STUDENTS","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Georgian students protest divisive 'foreign influence' law","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"WATCH: Georgian students protest divisive 'foreign influence' law","titleListing2":"Georgian students protest divisive 'foreign influence' law","leadin":"University and school students in Georgia have been driving protests against the country's divisive \"foreign influence\" law, which critics see it as a threat to democratic freedoms and the country\u2019s aspirations to join the European Union.","summary":"University and school students in Georgia have been driving protests against the country's divisive \"foreign influence\" law, which critics see it as a threat to democratic freedoms and the country\u2019s aspirations to join the European Union.","keySentence":"","url":"georgian-students-protest-divisive-foreign-influence-law","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2024\/05\/21\/georgian-students-protest-divisive-foreign-influence-law","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"University and school students in Georgia have been driving protests against the country's divisive \"foreign influence\" law, which critics see it as a threat to democratic freedoms and the country\u2019s aspirations to join the European Union. \n\n\nThe proposed law, passed by the parliament earlier this month, requires media and nongovernmental organisations and other nonprofits to register as \u201cpursuing the interests of a foreign power\u201d if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad. \n\n","htmlText":"<p>University and school students in Georgia have been driving protests against the country's divisive \"foreign influence\" law, which critics see it as a threat to democratic freedoms and the country\u2019s aspirations to join the European Union. <\/p>\n<p>The proposed law, passed by the parliament earlier this month, requires media and nongovernmental organisations and other nonprofits to register as \u201cpursuing the interests of a foreign power\u201d if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1716278892,"updatedAt":1716293526,"publishedAt":1716293077,"firstPublishedAt":1716293080,"lastPublishedAt":1716293077,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/44\/90\/78\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_bf90ce93-32bd-5646-966e-ca9332fc7a4c-8449078.jpg","altText":"Opposition protest against \"the Russian law\" near the Parliament building in the center of Tbilisi, Georgia, Tuesday, May 14, 2024.","caption":"Opposition protest against \"the Russian law\" near the Parliament building in the center of Tbilisi, Georgia, Tuesday, May 14, 2024.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Zurab Tsertsvadze\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":4000,"height":2667}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":10597,"slug":"georgia-politics","urlSafeValue":"georgia-politics","title":"Georgia politics","titleRaw":"Georgia politics"},{"id":4378,"slug":"protest","urlSafeValue":"protest","title":"Protest","titleRaw":"Protest"},{"id":11678,"slug":"youth","urlSafeValue":"youth","title":"Youth","titleRaw":"Youth"},{"id":9813,"slug":"video","urlSafeValue":"video","title":"Video","titleRaw":"Video"},{"id":13494,"slug":"no-comment","urlSafeValue":"no-comment","title":"no comment","titleRaw":"no 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PURITY FAMILY DAY","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Georgian PM join thousands to mark controversial family Purity Day","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Georgian PM join thousands to mark controversial family Purity Day","titleListing2":"Georgian PM join thousands to mark controversial family Purity Day","leadin":"Thousands, including Georgia's Prime Minister, marched in Tbilisi to celebrate Family Purity Day, highlighting traditional values amid rising tensions over LGBTQ+ rights and controversial new laws.","summary":"Thousands, including Georgia's Prime Minister, marched in Tbilisi to celebrate Family Purity Day, highlighting traditional values amid rising tensions over LGBTQ+ rights and controversial new laws.","keySentence":"","url":"georgian-pm-join-thousands-to-mark-controversial-family-purity-day","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2024\/05\/18\/georgian-pm-join-thousands-to-mark-controversial-family-purity-day","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Tens of thousands of people, including Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, marched through Tbilisi on Friday to celebrate the Day of Family Purity, a holiday established by the Georgian Orthodox Church in 2013 to promote traditional family values.\u00a0 \n\nThe march, coinciding with the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, highlighted the country's deep divisions over LGBTQ+ rights. \n\nParticipants in the procession carried icons and wore traditional costumes as they made their way to the Holy Trinity Cathedral.\u00a0 \n\nFamily Purity and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric \n\nPrime Minister Kobakhidze and parliamentary Speaker Shalva Papuashvili praised the event for upholding Georgia's identity, language, and faith.\u00a0 \n\n\"Our ancestors defended it in battles throughout the years and centuries, and it is our obligation to defend it as well,\" said march participant Rusudan Tabatadze. \n\nThe event comes amid heightened tensions over LGBTQ+ issues in Georgia. In March, the ruling Georgian Dream Party introduced a bill restricting LGBTQ+ rights, including prohibitions on sex changes, same-sex couple adoptions, and public gatherings deemed to promote same-sex relationships.\u00a0 \n\nAdditionally, Georgian Dream has pushed through a controversial \"foreign agent\" bill requiring media outlets and NGOs receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as foreign agents.\u00a0 \n\nCritics, including President Salome Zourabichvili, argue that the bill, reminiscent of Russian legislation, threatens Georgia's EU aspirations and stifles dissent. \n\nGeorgia's President uses veto power \n\nRecent protests against the foreign agent bill have been met with violent crackdowns by authorities, polarising the political atmosphere of the small Black-Sea nation.\u00a0 \n\nThe bill's opponents refer to it as \"the Russian law\" and fear it will hinder\u00a0Georgia's path towards Euro-Atlantic integration.\u00a0 \n\nGeorgia\u2019s president on Saturday vetoed the so-called \u201cRussian law\u201d targeting media that has sparked weeks of mass protests. \n\nThe law would require media and NGOs to register as \u201cpursuing the interests of a foreign power\u201d if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad. \n\nPresident Salome Zourabichvili said earlier in the week that she considered the law \u201cunacceptable.\u201d \n\nDespite President Zourabichvili's vow to veto the legislation, Georgian Dream's parliamentary majority could override the veto. \n\nThis come as tensions flared again on Friday as supporters of Georgian Dream clashed with protesters outside Tbilisi State University.\u00a0 \n\nThe demonstrators were opposing the foreign agent law and waiting for Prime Minister Kobakhidze, who teaches at the university.\u00a0 \n\nThe confrontation highlighted the deepening divide in Georgian society over issues of governance, media freedom, and LGBTQ+ rights. \n\n","htmlText":"<p>Tens of thousands of people, including Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, marched through Tbilisi on Friday to celebrate the Day of Family Purity, a holiday established by the Georgian Orthodox Church in 2013 to promote traditional family values.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The march, coinciding with the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, highlighted the country's deep divisions over LGBTQ+ rights.<\/p>\n<p>Participants in the procession carried icons and wore traditional costumes as they made their way to the Holy Trinity Cathedral.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-tweet widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio\u2014auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <div class=\"widget__tweet\" data-tweet-id=\"1790839325610897750\"><\/div>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>Family Purity and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric<\/h2><p>Prime Minister Kobakhidze and parliamentary Speaker Shalva Papuashvili praised the event for upholding Georgia's identity, language, and faith.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\"Our ancestors defended it in battles throughout the years and centuries, and it is our obligation to defend it as well,\" said march participant Rusudan Tabatadze.<\/p>\n<p>The event comes amid heightened tensions over LGBTQ+ issues in Georgia. In March, the ruling Georgian Dream Party introduced a bill restricting LGBTQ+ rights, including prohibitions on sex changes, same-sex couple adoptions, and public gatherings deemed to promote same-sex relationships.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, Georgian Dream has pushed through a controversial \"foreign agent\" bill requiring media outlets and NGOs receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as foreign agents.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Critics, including President Salome Zourabichvili, argue that the bill, reminiscent of Russian legislation, threatens Georgia's EU aspirations and stifles dissent.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6669921875\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//08//44//46//58//808x539_cmsv2_b0bb195a-5b2f-556e-8333-0d30b296f3fe-8444658.jpg/" alt=\"Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze attends a celebration of the Day of Family Purity in the center of Tbilisi, Georgia\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/44\/46\/58\/384x256_cmsv2_b0bb195a-5b2f-556e-8333-0d30b296f3fe-8444658.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/44\/46\/58\/640x427_cmsv2_b0bb195a-5b2f-556e-8333-0d30b296f3fe-8444658.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/44\/46\/58\/750x500_cmsv2_b0bb195a-5b2f-556e-8333-0d30b296f3fe-8444658.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/44\/46\/58\/828x552_cmsv2_b0bb195a-5b2f-556e-8333-0d30b296f3fe-8444658.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/44\/46\/58\/1080x720_cmsv2_b0bb195a-5b2f-556e-8333-0d30b296f3fe-8444658.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/44\/46\/58\/1200x800_cmsv2_b0bb195a-5b2f-556e-8333-0d30b296f3fe-8444658.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/44\/46\/58\/1920x1281_cmsv2_b0bb195a-5b2f-556e-8333-0d30b296f3fe-8444658.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze attends a celebration of the Day of Family Purity in the center of Tbilisi, Georgia<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Zurab Tsertsvadze\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>Georgia's President uses veto power<\/h2><p>Recent protests against the foreign agent bill have been met with violent crackdowns by authorities, polarising the political atmosphere of the small Black-Sea nation.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The bill's opponents refer to it as \"the Russian law\" and fear it will hinder\u00a0Georgia's path towards Euro-Atlantic integration.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Georgia\u2019s president on Saturday vetoed the so-called \u201cRussian law\u201d targeting media that has sparked weeks of mass protests.<\/p>\n<p>The law would require media and NGOs to register as \u201cpursuing the interests of a foreign power\u201d if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad.<\/p>\n<p>President Salome Zourabichvili said earlier in the week that she considered the law \u201cunacceptable.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Despite President Zourabichvili's vow to veto the legislation, Georgian Dream's parliamentary majority could override the veto.<\/p>\n<p>This come as tensions flared again on Friday as supporters of Georgian Dream clashed with protesters outside Tbilisi State University.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The demonstrators were opposing the foreign agent law and waiting for Prime Minister Kobakhidze, who teaches at the university.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The confrontation highlighted the deepening divide in Georgian society over issues of governance, media freedom, and LGBTQ+ rights.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-tweet widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio\u2014auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <div class=\"widget__tweet\" data-tweet-id=\"1790720001378316785\"><\/div>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1716023900,"updatedAt":1716046141,"publishedAt":1716046138,"firstPublishedAt":1716046141,"lastPublishedAt":1716046138,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/44\/46\/58\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_51a7bd15-188f-5ea2-951e-a234c3a0caec-8444658.jpg","altText":"People and Georgian Orthodox Church priests gather to celebrate the Day of Family Purity in front of the Georgian Parliament's building in Tbilisi, Georgia","caption":"People and Georgian Orthodox Church priests gather to celebrate the Day of Family Purity in front of the Georgian Parliament's building in Tbilisi, Georgia","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Zurab Tsertsvadze\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":683},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/44\/46\/58\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_b0bb195a-5b2f-556e-8333-0d30b296f3fe-8444658.jpg","altText":"Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze attends a celebration of the Day of Family Purity in the center of Tbilisi, Georgia","caption":"Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze attends a celebration of the Day of Family Purity in the center of Tbilisi, Georgia","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Zurab Tsertsvadze\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":683},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/44\/46\/60\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_993fe360-8eeb-5de7-b5c3-dba3f4f761d0-8444660.jpg","altText":null,"caption":null,"captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"EBU","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":960,"height":540}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"urlSafeValue":"harper","title":"Daniel Harper","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":12541,"slug":"lgbt","urlSafeValue":"lgbt","title":"LGBT","titleRaw":"LGBT"},{"id":124,"slug":"georgia","urlSafeValue":"georgia","title":"Georgia","titleRaw":"Georgia"},{"id":4378,"slug":"protest","urlSafeValue":"protest","title":"Protest","titleRaw":"Protest"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":1},{"slug":"twitter","count":2}],"related":[{"id":2545242},{"id":2543694},{"id":2542738}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":[],"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"AP","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"world news","online":1,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":104,"urlSafeValue":"europe","title":"Europe"},"country":{"id":124,"urlSafeValue":"georgia","title":"Georgia","url":"\/news\/europe\/georgia"},"town":{"id":4055,"urlSafeValue":"tbilisi","title":"Tbilisi"},"grapeshot":"'gv_safe','gb_safe','gb_safe_from_high','gb_safe_from_high_med','gs_society_lgbt','gs_society','gs_society_misc','gs_science','gs_busfin','gs_science_geography'","versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"path":"\/2024\/05\/18\/georgian-pm-join-thousands-to-mark-controversial-family-purity-day","lastModified":1716046138},{"id":2545242,"cid":8444980,"versionId":2,"archive":0,"housenumber":"240518_NWSU_55574638","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"GEORGIA PRESIDENT VETO","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Georgia's president vetoes media law that's provoked weeks of protests","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":null,"titleListing2":"Georgia's president vetoes media law that's provoked weeks of protests","leadin":"President Salome Zourabichvili on Saturday vetoed the so-called \u201cRussian law\u201d targeting media that has sparked weeks of mass protests.","summary":"President Salome Zourabichvili on Saturday vetoed the so-called \u201cRussian law\u201d targeting media that has sparked weeks of mass protests.","keySentence":"","url":"georgias-president-vetoes-media-law-thats-provoked-weeks-of-protests","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2024\/05\/18\/georgias-president-vetoes-media-law-thats-provoked-weeks-of-protests","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Georgia\u2019s president on Saturday vetoed the so-called \u201cRussian law\u201d targeting media that has sparked weeks of mass protests. \n\nThe law would require media and NGOs to register as \u201cpursuing the interests of a foreign power\u201d if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad. \n\nPresident Salom e Zourabichvili said earlier in the week that she considered the law \u201cunacceptable.\u201d \n\nZourabichvili \u00a0is increasingly at odds with Georgia\u2019s ruling party, said on Saturday that the law contradicts Georgia\u2019s constitution and \u201call European standards,\u201d and added that it \u201cmust be abolished.\u201d \n\n\nThe ruling party, Georgian Dream, has a majority sufficient to override Zourabichvili\u2019s veto, and is widely expected to do so in the coming days. The Georgian government insists that the law is intended to promote transparency and curb what it deems harmful foreign influence in the country of 3.7 million. \n\nThe proposed law set off mass protests this month in Tbilisi. Opponents refer to it as \u201c the Russian law \u201d because it resembles regulations in Russia. On Saturday there was a peaceful protest in a shopping mall in the city. \n\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Georgia\u2019s president on Saturday vetoed the so-called \u201cRussian law\u201d targeting media that has sparked weeks of mass protests.<\/p>\n<p>The law would require media and NGOs to register as \u201cpursuing the interests of a foreign power\u201d if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad.<\/p>\n<p>President Salome Zourabichvili said earlier in the week that she considered the law \u201cunacceptable.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Zourabichvili\u00a0is increasingly at odds with Georgia\u2019s ruling party, said on Saturday that the law contradicts Georgia\u2019s constitution and \u201call European standards,\u201d and added that it \u201cmust be abolished.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>The ruling party, Georgian Dream, has a majority sufficient to override Zourabichvili\u2019s veto, and is widely expected to do so in the coming days. The Georgian government insists that the law is intended to promote transparency and curb what it deems harmful foreign influence in the country of 3.7 million.<\/p>\n<p>The proposed law set off mass protests this month in Tbilisi. Opponents refer to it as \u201c the Russian law \u201d because it resembles regulations in Russia. On Saturday there was a peaceful protest in a shopping mall in the city. <\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-tweet widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio\u2014auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <div class=\"widget__tweet\" data-tweet-id=\"1791815831766118848\"><\/div>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1716043292,"updatedAt":1716055206,"publishedAt":1716043757,"firstPublishedAt":1716043762,"lastPublishedAt":1716043757,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Shakh Aivazov\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved","altText":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"caption":null,"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/44\/49\/86\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_0faf2b1c-c1c5-5731-b592-1ad9022e5bc9-8444986.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":683}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"urlSafeValue":"news","titleRaw":"news","id":11940,"title":"news","slug":"news"},{"urlSafeValue":"georgia-politics","titleRaw":"Georgia politics","id":10597,"title":"Georgia politics","slug":"georgia-politics"},{"urlSafeValue":"georgia","titleRaw":"Georgia","id":124,"title":"Georgia","slug":"georgia"},{"urlSafeValue":"protestas","titleRaw":"Protests","id":27110,"title":"Protests","slug":"protestas"}],"widgets":[{"count":1,"slug":"twitter"}],"related":[{"id":2545098}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"nXFEFu0wmNE","dailymotionId":"x8yozsu"},"video":1,"videos":[{"duration":60000,"editor":"","filesizeBytes":7886096,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/NW\/SU\/24\/05\/18\/en\/240518_NWSU_55574638_55574662_60000_195327_en.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"md"},{"duration":60000,"editor":"","filesizeBytes":11707664,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/NW\/SU\/24\/05\/18\/en\/240518_NWSU_55574638_55574662_60000_195327_en.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"hd"}],"liveStream":[{"endDate":0,"startDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":"Euronews","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"world news","online":1,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"vertical":"news","verticals":[{"urlSafeValue":"news","id":1,"title":"News","slug":"news"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"urlSafeValue":"news","id":"news","title":"World","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":104,"urlSafeValue":"europe","title":"Europe"},"country":{"id":124,"urlSafeValue":"georgia","title":"Georgia","url":"\/news\/europe\/georgia"},"town":{"id":4055,"urlSafeValue":"tbilisi","title":"Tbilisi"},"grapeshot":"'gv_safe','gb_safe','gb_safe_from_high','gb_safe_from_high_med','gs_science','gs_science_geography','gs_politics','gt_negative','gs_society'","versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"path":"\/2024\/05\/18\/georgias-president-vetoes-media-law-thats-provoked-weeks-of-protests","lastModified":1716043757},{"id":2544344,"cid":8442230,"versionId":7,"archive":0,"housenumber":"240517_NWSU_55563921","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"GEORGIA PRESIDENT INTERVIEW by V Gauriat","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"There is no temptation to return to Russia, Georgian President Zourabichvili says","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Georgian President Zourabichvili says she will veto 'Russian law' ","titleListing2":"There is no 'temptation to return to Russia' in Georgia, says President Salom\u00e9 Zourabichvili, in an exclusive interview with Euronews","leadin":"In an exclusive interview with Euronews, Georgian President Salom\u00e9 Zourabichvili discussed vetoing the controversial foreign agents bill, police brutality and what might happen in Georgia's upcoming parliamentary election.","summary":"In an exclusive interview with Euronews, Georgian President Salom\u00e9 Zourabichvili discussed vetoing the controversial foreign agents bill, police brutality and what might happen in Georgia's upcoming parliamentary election.","keySentence":"","url":"exclusive-there-is-no-temptation-to-return-to-russia-georgian-president-zourabichvili-says","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2024\/05\/17\/exclusive-there-is-no-temptation-to-return-to-russia-georgian-president-zourabichvili-says","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"In an exclusive interview with Euronews, Georgian President Salom\u00e9 Zourabichvili discussed her plan to veto the law on foreign influence.\u00a0However, she acknowledged that despite her veto, the law will likely pass through the Georgian parliament. \n\n\"This law will pass. The veto will be overridden, or it will be amended marginally and without interest. So the important thing now is to get on with the elections,\" said Georgian President Salom\u00e9 Zourabichvili. \n\nDemonstrations with thousands of participants against the legislation, dubbed the \"Russian law\", have been ongoing for over a month.\u00a0 \n\nThe president has condemned what she described as violence perpetrated by police forces against the demonstrators. \n\nAlthough the protests are largely peaceful, reports have emerged on social media alleging instances of protesters being subjected to police beatings. \n\n\"These acts of brutality are not the work of the police, who are behaving like any other police force,\" Zourabichvili said, \"but of special forces who have police registration but no identification.\" \n\nZourabichvili voiced her concerns that official inquiries into potential police violence might face challenges due to the nature of the brutality. \n\n\"Investigations and inquiries into the perpetrators of the brutality are not possible. So we're in a situation that could escalate into violence at any moment,\" she said.\u00a0 \n\nShe added that Georgia's parliamentary elections, scheduled for October, will serve as a significant test for the country, offering the public an opportunity to officially challenge the law.\u00a0 \n\n\"Through the elections, we will have a referendum on Europe. That's how we have to see these forthcoming elections, which cannot be normal elections, which will be elections to stop this deviation.\"\u00a0 \n\n\"I'm using a weak word, it's just a diversion. We're going to get back on the road, but it's important to do it through the elections,\" said Zourabichvili. \n\nGeorgia's 'European Dream' \n\nZourabichvili discussed the bill's potential impact on Georgia's aspirations to join the European Union. As a candidate country, Georgia must meet certain requirements, including demonstrating a commitment to democratic principles. \n\nEU figures such as European Council President Charles Michel have emphasised that for Georgians to pursue EU membership, they must uphold fundamental principles such as the rule of law and democratic values. \n\n\"The European Union must make it very clear that it will take Georgia's choice into account, i.e. that it will not sanction the country. I make a distinction between individual sanctions and sanctions against the country, but the country will not be sanctioned until its response is known through the ballot box\", said the Georgian president. \n\nFor Salom\u00e9 Zourabichvili, there is no \"Russian temptation\" in Georgia; rather, she perceives it as \"Russian manoeuvres\" orchestrated by certain leaders. \n\nShe insisted that the Georgian population would not be interested in adopting Russian values, saying, \"There can be no temptation to return to the Russian fold, especially when you look at what Russia is today.\" \n\nThe bill\u00a0\u2014 which has caused major controversy due to its similarity to the Kremlin's law meant to tighten Putin's grip on neighbouring Russia \u2014 requires media, nongovernmental organisations and other non-profit groups to register as \"pursuing the interests of a foreign power\" if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad. \n\n","htmlText":"<p>In an exclusive interview with Euronews, Georgian President Salom\u00e9 Zourabichvili discussed her plan to veto the law on foreign influence.\u00a0However, she acknowledged that despite her veto, the law will likely pass through the Georgian parliament.<\/p>\n<p>\"This law will pass. The veto will be overridden, or it will be amended marginally and without interest. So the important thing now is to get on with the elections,\" said Georgian President Salom\u00e9 Zourabichvili.<\/p>\n<p>Demonstrations with thousands of participants against the legislation, dubbed the \"Russian law\", have been ongoing for over a month.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The president has condemned what she described as violence perpetrated by police forces against the demonstrators.<\/p>\n<p>Although the <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//my-europe//2024//05//01//police-beat-and-arrest-tbilisi-protesters-as-parliament-debates-controversial-transparency/">protests are largely peaceful, reports have emerged on social media alleging instances of protesters being subjected to police beatings.<\/p>\n<p>\"These acts of brutality are not the work of the police, who are behaving like any other police force,\" Zourabichvili said, \"but of special forces who have police registration but no identification.\"<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"8436836,8433684\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2024//05//15//after-years-of-intimidation-a-georgian-pro-democracy-ngo-faces-the-ultimate-threat/">Q&A: After years of intimidation, a Georgian pro-democracy NGO faces the ultimate threat<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2024//05//14//georgias-parliament-approves-controversial-foreign-influence-law/">Georgia's parliament approves controversial 'foreign influence law'<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Zourabichvili voiced her concerns that official inquiries into potential police violence might face challenges due to the nature of the brutality.<\/p>\n<p>\"Investigations and inquiries into the perpetrators of the brutality are not possible. So we're in a situation that could escalate into violence at any moment,\" she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6669921875\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//08//12//07//60//808x539_cmsv2_54cd6ac4-530a-5cb0-a645-a7ae00e149c8-8120760.jpg/" alt=\"Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, center, attends a public rally in support of Georgia's EU aspirations in Tbilisi, Georgia, on June 16, 2022.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/12\/07\/60\/384x256_cmsv2_54cd6ac4-530a-5cb0-a645-a7ae00e149c8-8120760.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/12\/07\/60\/640x427_cmsv2_54cd6ac4-530a-5cb0-a645-a7ae00e149c8-8120760.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/12\/07\/60\/750x500_cmsv2_54cd6ac4-530a-5cb0-a645-a7ae00e149c8-8120760.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/12\/07\/60\/828x552_cmsv2_54cd6ac4-530a-5cb0-a645-a7ae00e149c8-8120760.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/12\/07\/60\/1080x720_cmsv2_54cd6ac4-530a-5cb0-a645-a7ae00e149c8-8120760.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/12\/07\/60\/1200x800_cmsv2_54cd6ac4-530a-5cb0-a645-a7ae00e149c8-8120760.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/12\/07\/60\/1920x1281_cmsv2_54cd6ac4-530a-5cb0-a645-a7ae00e149c8-8120760.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, center, attends a public rally in support of Georgia's EU aspirations in Tbilisi, Georgia, on June 16, 2022.<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AP Photo\/Shakh Aivazov<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>She added that Georgia's parliamentary elections, scheduled for October, will serve as a significant test for the country, offering the public an opportunity to officially challenge the law.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\"Through the elections, we will have a referendum on Europe. That's how we have to see these forthcoming elections, which cannot be normal elections, which will be elections to stop this deviation.\"\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\"I'm using a weak word, it's just a diversion. We're going to get back on the road, but it's important to do it through the elections,\" said Zourabichvili.<\/p>\n<h2>Georgia's 'European Dream'<\/h2><p>Zourabichvili discussed the bill's potential impact on Georgia's aspirations to join the European Union. As a candidate country, Georgia must meet certain requirements, including demonstrating a commitment to democratic principles.<\/p>\n<p>EU figures such as European Council President Charles Michel have <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//my-europe//2024//04//19//foreign-influence-law-pushes-georgia-away-from-eu-accession-dream-warns-michel/">emphasised that for Georgians to pursue EU membership, they must uphold fundamental principles such as the rule of law and democratic values.<\/p>\n<p>\"The European Union must make it very clear that it will take Georgia's choice into account, i.e. that it will not sanction the country. I make a distinction between individual sanctions and sanctions against the country, but the country will not be sanctioned until its response is known through the ballot box\", said the Georgian president.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"8431720,8436802\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//my-europe//2024//05//15//borrell-denounces-georgias-russian-law-and-demands-its-withdrawal/">Borrell denounces Georgia's 'Russian law' and demands its withdrawal<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2024//05//13//is-georgias-foreign-influence-law-about-to-become-a-source-of-new-troubles-for-europe/">Is Georgia's 'foreign influence' law about to become a source of new troubles for Europe?<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>For Salom\u00e9 Zourabichvili, there is no \"Russian temptation\" in Georgia; rather, she perceives it as \"Russian manoeuvres\" orchestrated by certain leaders.<\/p>\n<p>She insisted that the Georgian population would not be interested in adopting Russian values, saying, \"There can be no temptation to return to the Russian fold, especially when you look at what Russia is today.\"<\/p>\n<p>The bill\u00a0\u2014 which has caused major controversy due to its similarity to the Kremlin's law meant to tighten Putin's grip on neighbouring Russia \u2014 requires media, nongovernmental organisations and other non-profit groups to register as \"pursuing the interests of a foreign power\" if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1715932423,"updatedAt":1716379027,"publishedAt":1715956275,"firstPublishedAt":1715956406,"lastPublishedAt":1715956275,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"euronews","altText":"The President of Georgia.","callToActionText":null,"width":1600,"caption":"The President of Georgia.","url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/44\/22\/32\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_63044c7c-1563-5754-8623-c2d68b8e1352-8442232.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":1067},{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"euronews","altText":"The President of Georgia.","callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"caption":"The President of Georgia.","url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/44\/22\/34\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_82d395b1-7eec-5fd2-9919-f4f3baf330bb-8442234.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":683},{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo\/Shakh Aivazov","altText":"Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, center, attends a public rally in support of Georgia's EU aspirations in Tbilisi, Georgia, on June 16, 2022.","callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"caption":"Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, center, attends a public rally in support of Georgia's EU aspirations in Tbilisi, Georgia, on June 16, 2022.","url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/12\/07\/60\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_54cd6ac4-530a-5cb0-a645-a7ae00e149c8-8120760.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":683}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"urlSafeValue":"gauriat","twitter":"@valgauriat","title":"Val\u00e9rie Gauriat"}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"urlSafeValue":"georgia","titleRaw":"Georgia","id":124,"title":"Georgia","slug":"georgia"},{"urlSafeValue":"protest","titleRaw":"Protest","id":4378,"title":"Protest","slug":"protest"},{"urlSafeValue":"georgia-politics","titleRaw":"Georgia politics","id":10597,"title":"Georgia politics","slug":"georgia-politics"},{"urlSafeValue":"salome-zurabishvili","titleRaw":"Salom\u00e9 Zurabishvili ","id":18294,"title":"Salom\u00e9 Zurabishvili ","slug":"salome-zurabishvili"},{"urlSafeValue":"foreign-agent","titleRaw":"foreign agent","id":25248,"title":"foreign 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PRESIDENT AGAINST \"RUSSIAN LAW\"","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Georgia's president says she will veto 'Russian law' as furious protests continue","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Georgia's president says she will veto 'Russian law'","titleListing2":"Georgia's president says she will veto 'Russian law' as furious protests continue","leadin":"Salome Zourabichvili has joined public demonstrations against a law that could turn Georgia away from Brussels and towards the Kremlin.","summary":"Salome Zourabichvili has joined public demonstrations against a law that could turn Georgia away from Brussels and towards the Kremlin.","keySentence":"","url":"georgias-president-says-she-will-veto-russian-law-as-furious-protests-continue","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2024\/05\/16\/georgias-president-says-she-will-veto-russian-law-as-furious-protests-continue","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili has said she will veto a\u00a0controversial bill passed by her country's parliament, calling the law \"unacceptable\" and reaffirming her opposition to a measure that critics describe as a dire threat to free speech and democracy. \n\nIn an interview with The Associated Press, Zourabichvili harshly criticised the ruling Georgian Dream party for pushing the bill, which is widely seen as\u00a0a setback for Georgia's aspirations to join the European Union. \n\nThe bill requires media, nongovernmental organisations and other nonprofit groups to register as \"pursuing the interests of a foreign power\" if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad. \n\nThe government claims the bill is needed to stem what it deems to be harmful foreign actors trying to destabilise the South Caucasus nation of 3.7 million people. But critics say it will have an extreme chilling effect on pro-democracy NGOs and other organisations. \n\nIt has been nicknamed the \"Russian law\" because of its resemblance to legislation enforced by the Kremlin. \n\n\"It's unacceptable because it reflects a turn of the Georgian attitudes towards the civil society, towards the media and towards the recommendations of the European Commission that are not consistent with what is our declared policy of going towards a European integration,\" Zourabichvili told the AP. \n\nShe reaffirmed her intention to veto it because it \"goes directly against the spirit or the letter of EU recommendations.\" \n\nZourabichvili is increasingly at odds with the Georgian Dream party, which has a majority sufficient to override her veto. She has until May 28 \u2013 14 days after its passage \u2013 to act. \n\nThe opposition United National Movement accuses Georgian Dream of trying to drag Georgia into Russia's sphere of influence, allegations the party rejects. \n\nGeorgian Dream was founded by Bidzina Ivanishvili, a former prime minister and billionaire who made his fortune in Russia. \n\nZourabichvili said it's hard to say whether the bill was purely the ruling party's initiative or if Moscow had played a hand in its passage, but she emphasised that the Kremlin is unhappy with Georgia's pro-Western aspirations. \n\n\"It's clear that Moscow is not seeing with lots of appreciation this accelerated pace of Georgia towards the European Union,\" she said. \n\nShe emphasised it's her \"duty under the constitution to make everything in my capacity possible to support the European integration and to consolidate it.\" \n\n\"The authorities are not doing what the country expects, and the country is reacting because the country wants Europe, and wants not to lose the possibility at the end of the year of seeing the opening of these accession negotiations,\" Zourabichvili said. \n\nThe bill is nearly identical to one that the Georgian Dream party was pressured to withdraw last year after street protests. Renewed demonstrations have rocked Georgia for weeks, with police using tear gas and water cannons to disperse people angry at the law and its implications. \n\nThe opposition has denounced the bill as \"the Russian law\" because Moscow uses similar legislation to crack down on independent news media, nonprofits and activists critical of the Kremlin. \n\nEuropean Council President Charles Michel said Tuesday that if Georgians \"want to join the EU, they have to respect the fundamental principles of the rule of law and the democratic principles\". \n\nZourabichvili emphasised that when Georgia received EU candidate status last year, the government should have focused on passing the laws necessary to qualify for full-blown accession talks. \n\n\"The parliament should be working day and night to satisfy the recommendations that we have on the table on the justice reform, on the corruption agency's independence and things like that,\" she said. \n\n\"And instead of that, instead of doing what is expected from us, the parliament is working on a law that was rejected last year that all our partners, European partners, have said that it's not consistent with the European values and the European objectives.\" \n\n","htmlText":"<p>Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili has said she will veto a\u00a0controversial bill passed by her country's parliament, calling the law \"unacceptable\" and reaffirming her opposition to a measure that critics describe as a dire threat to free speech and democracy.<\/p>\n<p>In an interview with The Associated Press, Zourabichvili harshly criticised the ruling Georgian Dream party for pushing the bill, which is widely seen as\u00a0a <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2024//05//13//eu-urges-georgias-government-to-stick-with-democratic-path-to-eu-membership/">setback for Georgia's aspirations to join the European Union.<\/p>\n<p>The bill requires media, nongovernmental organisations and other nonprofit groups to register as \"pursuing the interests of a foreign power\" if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad.<\/p>\n<p>The government claims the bill is needed to stem what it deems to be harmful foreign actors trying to destabilise the South Caucasus nation of 3.7 million people. But critics say it will have an extreme chilling effect on pro-democracy NGOs and other organisations.<\/p>\n<p>It has been nicknamed the <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2022//06//08//uk-ukraine-crisis-russia-foreignagents/">/"Russian law\"<\/strong><\/a> because of its resemblance to legislation enforced by the Kremlin.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-tweet widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio\u2014auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <div class=\"widget__tweet\" data-tweet-id=\"1790230290536742981\"><\/div>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>\"It's unacceptable because it reflects a turn of the Georgian attitudes towards the civil society, towards the media and towards the recommendations of the European Commission that are not consistent with what is our declared policy of going towards a European integration,\" Zourabichvili told the AP.<\/p>\n<p>She reaffirmed her intention to veto it because it \"goes directly against the spirit or the letter of EU recommendations.\"<\/p>\n<p>Zourabichvili is increasingly at odds with the Georgian Dream party, which has a majority sufficient to override her veto. She has until May 28 \u2013 14 days after its passage \u2013 to act.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"8431720\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2024//05//13//is-georgias-foreign-influence-law-about-to-become-a-source-of-new-troubles-for-europe/">Is Georgia's 'foreign influence' law about to become a source of new troubles for Europe?<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The opposition United National Movement accuses Georgian Dream of trying to drag Georgia into Russia's sphere of influence, allegations the party rejects.<\/p>\n<p>Georgian Dream was founded by Bidzina Ivanishvili, a former prime minister and billionaire who made his fortune in Russia.<\/p>\n<p>Zourabichvili said it's hard to say whether the bill was purely the ruling party's initiative or if Moscow had played a hand in its passage, but she emphasised that the Kremlin is unhappy with Georgia's pro-Western aspirations.<\/p>\n<p>\"It's clear that Moscow is not seeing with lots of appreciation this accelerated pace of Georgia towards the European Union,\" she said.<\/p>\n<p>She emphasised it's her \"duty under the constitution to make everything in my capacity possible to support the European integration and to consolidate it.\"<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6669921875\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//08//43//62//42//808x539_cmsv2_2492e160-d944-550b-96e5-d1ed496afc1c-8436242.jpg/" alt=\"Demonstrators gather in the Square of Heroes during an opposition protest against "the Russian law" in the center of Tbilisi, Georgia.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/62\/42\/384x256_cmsv2_2492e160-d944-550b-96e5-d1ed496afc1c-8436242.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/62\/42\/640x427_cmsv2_2492e160-d944-550b-96e5-d1ed496afc1c-8436242.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/62\/42\/750x500_cmsv2_2492e160-d944-550b-96e5-d1ed496afc1c-8436242.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/62\/42\/828x552_cmsv2_2492e160-d944-550b-96e5-d1ed496afc1c-8436242.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/62\/42\/1080x720_cmsv2_2492e160-d944-550b-96e5-d1ed496afc1c-8436242.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/62\/42\/1200x800_cmsv2_2492e160-d944-550b-96e5-d1ed496afc1c-8436242.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/62\/42\/1920x1281_cmsv2_2492e160-d944-550b-96e5-d1ed496afc1c-8436242.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Demonstrators gather in the Square of Heroes during an opposition protest against "the Russian law" in the center of Tbilisi, Georgia.<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Zurab Tsertsvadze\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>\"The authorities are not doing what the country expects, and the country is reacting because the country wants Europe, and wants not to lose the possibility at the end of the year of seeing the opening of these accession negotiations,\" Zourabichvili said.<\/p>\n<p>The bill is nearly identical to one that the Georgian Dream party was pressured to withdraw last year after street protests. Renewed <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//my-europe//2024//04//30//thousands-rally-in-georgia-in-support-of-russian-foreign-influence-law/">demonstrations have rocked Georgia for weeks, with police using tear gas and water cannons to disperse people angry at the law and its implications.<\/p>\n<p>The opposition has denounced the bill as \"the Russian law\" because Moscow uses similar legislation to crack down on independent news media, nonprofits and activists critical of the Kremlin.<\/p>\n<p>European Council President Charles Michel said Tuesday that if Georgians \"want to join the EU, they have to respect the fundamental principles of the rule of law and the democratic principles\".<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"8384462\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//my-europe//2024//04//19//foreign-influence-law-pushes-georgia-away-from-eu-accession-dream-warns-michel/">'Foreign influence' law pushes Georgia away from EU accession dream, warns Michel<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Zourabichvili emphasised that when Georgia received EU candidate status last year, the government should have focused on passing the laws necessary to qualify for full-blown accession talks.<\/p>\n<p>\"The parliament should be working day and night to satisfy the recommendations that we have on the table on the justice reform, on the corruption agency's independence and things like that,\" she said.<\/p>\n<p>\"And instead of that, instead of doing what is expected from us, the parliament is working on a law that was rejected last year that all our partners, European partners, have said that it's not consistent with the European values and the European objectives.\"<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1715858208,"updatedAt":1715870916,"publishedAt":1715870913,"firstPublishedAt":1715870916,"lastPublishedAt":1715870913,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/44\/01\/10\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_b42ff59c-c63a-5fd4-a3fe-ae06ab876aa0-8440110.jpg","altText":"Georgia's President Salome Zourabichvili attends a march in support of Georgia's EU candidacy in Tbilisi.","caption":"Georgia's President Salome Zourabichvili attends a march in support of Georgia's EU candidacy in Tbilisi.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo\/Shakh Aivazov","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":6000,"height":3377},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/62\/42\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_2492e160-d944-550b-96e5-d1ed496afc1c-8436242.jpg","altText":"Demonstrators gather in the Square of Heroes during an opposition protest against \"the Russian law\" in the center of Tbilisi, Georgia.","caption":"Demonstrators gather in the Square of Heroes during an opposition protest against \"the Russian law\" in the center of Tbilisi, Georgia.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Zurab Tsertsvadze\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":683}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":124,"slug":"georgia","urlSafeValue":"georgia","title":"Georgia","titleRaw":"Georgia"},{"id":105,"slug":"european-union","urlSafeValue":"european-union","title":"European Union","titleRaw":"European Union"},{"id":188,"slug":"media","urlSafeValue":"media","title":"Media","titleRaw":"Media"},{"id":8333,"slug":"freedom-of-speech","urlSafeValue":"freedom-of-speech","title":"Freedom of speech","titleRaw":"Freedom of speech"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":1},{"slug":"twitter","count":1},{"slug":"related","count":2}],"related":[{"id":2542830},{"id":2542738},{"id":2542280}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":[],"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"AP","additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"Euronews","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"world news","online":1,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":104,"urlSafeValue":"europe","title":"Europe"},"country":{"id":124,"urlSafeValue":"georgia","title":"Georgia","url":"\/news\/europe\/georgia"},"town":[],"grapeshot":"'gv_safe','gb_safe','gb_safe_from_high','gb_safe_from_high_med','gs_politics_misc','gs_science','gs_science_geography'","versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"path":"\/2024\/05\/16\/georgias-president-says-she-will-veto-russian-law-as-furious-protests-continue","lastModified":1715870913},{"id":2542742,"cid":8436836,"versionId":5,"archive":0,"housenumber":"240515_NWWB_55544120","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"Interview Nino Dolidze, ISFED director","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Q&A: After years of intimidation, a Georgian pro-democracy NGO faces the ultimate threat","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Georgian pro-democracy NGO faces the ultimate threat","titleListing2":"Nino Dolidze, head of an EU-funded NGO, told Euronews of the harassment she has faced from Georgian authorities.","leadin":"A civil society activist tells Euronews how Georgia's ruling party began creating a hostile environment for foreign-funded NGOs long before the passage of the so-called \"Russian law\".","summary":"A civil society activist tells Euronews how Georgia's ruling party began creating a hostile environment for foreign-funded NGOs long before the passage of the so-called \"Russian law\".","keySentence":"","url":"after-years-of-intimidation-a-georgian-pro-democracy-ngo-faces-the-ultimate-threat","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2024\/05\/15\/after-years-of-intimidation-a-georgian-pro-democracy-ngo-faces-the-ultimate-threat","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Georgia is being roiled by some of the largest and angriest protests in its modern history after its parliament passed a law forcing NGOs receiving substantial support from abroad to register as \"foreign-funded organisations\". \n\nOpponents decried the Foreign Influence Law as the \"Russian law\" because it resembles legislation imposed by the Kremlin. The law marks a major blow against pro-democracy NGOs working against electoral corruption. Yet, their troubles did not begin with the law's passage. \n\nNino Dolidze is the director of the\u00a0International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy, or ISFED, which monitors the electoral process in Georgia. Because its work is partly funded by the EU and the US, it will have to register officially as a foreign-funded organisation \u2014 a so-called \"foreign agent\". \n\nShe tells Euronews how the ruling party has been creating a hostile environment against foreign-funded NGOs since well before the approval of the so-called \"Russian law\", with her and others on the sharp end of threats, disturbing phone calls, and smear campaigning. \n\nEuronews: Why is your organisation among the first NGOs that will have to register as a 'foreign influenced' agency? \n\nNino Dolidze: Elections are one of the most painful topics for the government. We are a target because of the upcoming parliamentary elections (in October), and they have been trying to discredit us, undermining our national credibility and our international trust. \n\nSince we receive funds from the EU and the US, we will have to register. And we said we would never register in this public record because this is against our dignity. We only represent our country\u2019s interests and are not willing to register to be labelled as some kind of foreign agent. \n\nYet, according to this law, even if we don\u2019t register, they (the authorities) can unilaterally investigate and monitor us. \n\nThe bill will affect many civil society organisations, but they will start with the election monitoring ones, I'm sure. \n\nEuronews:\u00a0How do you know? \n\nNino Dolidze: Because they have mentioned our names several times. The prime minister has been mentioning ISFED and many others. We are already targeted. \n\nAs a director, I personally have been targeted many times with smear campaigns. There have been many TV shows directed against me.\u00a0 \n\nIn recent days, I have received threatening phone calls. In front of my apartment, at the entrance, they hung posters on the wall calling me \"traitor\" and \"enemy\". \n\nEuronews: Is this law really rejected by all the Georgian people? Is there any data? \n\nNino Dolidze: There is no polling on the law, but the demo that took place was one of the biggest that has ever taken place in Georgia. \n\nWe saw demonstrations in 2003 and 2012, and then the governments changed. But this time, there is continuity across all the fields of society, not only in Tbilisi but also in other big cities like Batumi and Kutaisi. \n\nEuronews: Since you said that you will not register, you must pay the administrative fine of \u20ac8,000. And after that, will you close? Will you leave the country? \n\nNino Dolidze: Yes, in the end, we will have to close the organisation.\u00a0 \n\nThis is the problem in Georgia. We don\u2019t want to operate in a situation where we are called foreign agents.\u00a0 \n\nSo we will have to close, and there will be no civil society organisation in Georgia scrutinising the government. \n\nEuronews: Let me try to be na\u00efve. What problem does it pose for you to operate under these circumstances? The law does not ban NGOs. It just requires them to register. Why should it be a risk? \n\nNino Dolidze: The risk is our stigmatisation. We cannot operate if we are called foreign agents because the beneficiaries of our activities will no longer work with us. \n\nWe are already feeling some distance. We are used to working with different (state) services. We will have this label of \"enemies of the country\" because we work for foreign countries. \n\nIn Georgia, it means being a spy. An enemy because we have a Soviet past, and we know what it means to be called a \u201cforeign agent\u201d. That\u2019s what happened in Russia: the NGOs registered, and then they closed and left the country or were detained. \n\n","htmlText":"<p>Georgia is being roiled by some of the largest and angriest protests in its modern history after its parliament passed a law forcing NGOs receiving substantial support from abroad to register as \"foreign-funded organisations\".<\/p>\n<p>Opponents decried the Foreign Influence Law as the \"Russian law\" because it resembles legislation imposed by the Kremlin. The law marks a major blow against pro-democracy NGOs working against electoral corruption. Yet, their troubles did not begin with the law's passage.<\/p>\n<p>Nino Dolidze is the director of the\u00a0International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy, or ISFED, which monitors the electoral process in Georgia. Because its work is partly funded by the EU and the US, it will have to register officially as a foreign-funded organisation \u2014 a so-called \"foreign agent\".<\/p>\n<p>She tells Euronews how the ruling party has been creating a hostile environment against foreign-funded NGOs since well before the approval of the so-called \"Russian law\", with her and others on the sharp end of threats, disturbing phone calls, and smear campaigning.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Euronews: Why is your organisation among the first NGOs that will have to register as a 'foreign influenced' agency?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Nino Dolidze: Elections are one of the most painful topics for the government. We are a target because of the upcoming parliamentary elections (in October), and they have been trying to discredit us, undermining our national credibility and our international trust.<\/p>\n<p>Since we receive funds from the EU and the US, we will have to register. And we said we would never register in this public record because this is against our dignity. We only represent our country\u2019s interests and are not willing to register to be labelled as some kind of foreign agent.<\/p>\n<p>Yet, according to this law, even if we don\u2019t register, they (the authorities) can unilaterally investigate and monitor us.<\/p>\n<p>The bill will affect many civil society organisations, but they will start with the election monitoring ones, I'm sure.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6671875\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//08//43//68//36//808x539_cmsv2_e4fb5fc2-7f45-561e-8f7a-27e05e01785d-8436836.jpg/" alt=\"Nino Doladze, right, with Pawel Herczynski, left, Ambassador of the European Union to Georgia\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/68\/36\/384x256_cmsv2_e4fb5fc2-7f45-561e-8f7a-27e05e01785d-8436836.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/68\/36\/640x427_cmsv2_e4fb5fc2-7f45-561e-8f7a-27e05e01785d-8436836.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/68\/36\/750x500_cmsv2_e4fb5fc2-7f45-561e-8f7a-27e05e01785d-8436836.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/68\/36\/828x552_cmsv2_e4fb5fc2-7f45-561e-8f7a-27e05e01785d-8436836.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/68\/36\/1080x721_cmsv2_e4fb5fc2-7f45-561e-8f7a-27e05e01785d-8436836.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/68\/36\/1200x801_cmsv2_e4fb5fc2-7f45-561e-8f7a-27e05e01785d-8436836.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/68\/36\/1920x1281_cmsv2_e4fb5fc2-7f45-561e-8f7a-27e05e01785d-8436836.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Nino Doladze, right, with Pawel Herczynski, left, Ambassador of the European Union to Georgia<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">ISFED<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Euronews:\u00a0How do you know?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Nino Dolidze: Because they have mentioned our names several times. The prime minister has been mentioning ISFED and many others. We are already targeted.<\/p>\n<p>As a director, I personally have been targeted many times with smear campaigns. There have been many TV shows directed against me.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In recent days, I have received threatening phone calls. In front of my apartment, at the entrance, they hung posters on the wall calling me \"traitor\" and \"enemy\".<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Euronews: Is this law really rejected by all the Georgian people? Is there any data?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Nino Dolidze: There is no polling on the law, but the demo that took place was one of the biggest that has ever taken place in Georgia.<\/p>\n<p>We saw demonstrations in 2003 and 2012, and then the governments changed. But this time, there is continuity across all the fields of society, not only in Tbilisi but also in other big cities like Batumi and Kutaisi.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.75\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//08//43//68//36//808x608_cmsv2_9610eda0-23d9-5954-be3a-3e4e4f05642f-8436836.jpg/" alt=\"Smear campaigning against NGOs in Georgia\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/68\/36\/384x288_cmsv2_9610eda0-23d9-5954-be3a-3e4e4f05642f-8436836.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/68\/36\/640x480_cmsv2_9610eda0-23d9-5954-be3a-3e4e4f05642f-8436836.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/68\/36\/750x563_cmsv2_9610eda0-23d9-5954-be3a-3e4e4f05642f-8436836.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/68\/36\/828x621_cmsv2_9610eda0-23d9-5954-be3a-3e4e4f05642f-8436836.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/68\/36\/1080x810_cmsv2_9610eda0-23d9-5954-be3a-3e4e4f05642f-8436836.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/68\/36\/1200x900_cmsv2_9610eda0-23d9-5954-be3a-3e4e4f05642f-8436836.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/68\/36\/1920x1440_cmsv2_9610eda0-23d9-5954-be3a-3e4e4f05642f-8436836.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Smear campaigning against NGOs in Georgia<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Nino Dolidze<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Euronews: Since you said that you will not register, you must pay the administrative fine of \u20ac8,000. And after that, will you close? Will you leave the country?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Nino Dolidze: Yes, in the end, we will have to close the organisation.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>This is the problem in Georgia. We don\u2019t want to operate in a situation where we are called foreign agents.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>So we will have to close, and there will be no civil society organisation in Georgia scrutinising the government.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Euronews: Let me try to be na\u00efve. What problem does it pose for you to operate under these circumstances? The law does not ban NGOs. It just requires them to register. Why should it be a risk?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Nino Dolidze: The risk is our stigmatisation. We cannot operate if we are called foreign agents because the beneficiaries of our activities will no longer work with us.<\/p>\n<p>We are already feeling some distance. We are used to working with different (state) services. We will have this label of \"enemies of the country\" because we work for foreign countries.<\/p>\n<p>In Georgia, it means being a spy. An enemy because we have a Soviet past, and we know what it means to be called a \u201cforeign agent\u201d. That\u2019s what happened in Russia: the NGOs registered, and then they closed and left the country or were detained.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1715760907,"updatedAt":1715791353,"publishedAt":1715786746,"firstPublishedAt":1715786749,"lastPublishedAt":1715786746,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Nino Dolidze","altText":"\"Traitor of the country\". Nino Dolidze, director of ISFED, private apartment entrance ","callToActionText":null,"width":1600,"caption":"\"Traitor of the country\". Nino Dolidze, director of ISFED, private apartment entrance ","url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/68\/36\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_24a9c6b5-8880-5779-a894-99efae9c2365-8436836.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":1200},{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Jean-Francois Badias\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved.","altText":"European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell","callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"caption":"European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell","url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/68\/36\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_454e9533-93c5-5459-8420-db4bb1446ef8-8436836.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":683},{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Irakli Gedenidze\/AP","altText":"Georgia's jailed ex-President Mikheil Saakashvili appears on a screen via a video link from a clinic during a court hearing in the case of the violent dispersal of anti-govern","callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"caption":"Georgia's jailed ex-President Mikheil Saakashvili appears on a screen via a video link from a clinic during a court hearing in the case of the violent dispersal of anti-govern","url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/68\/36\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_a34409e6-4cdb-5d0d-b456-ae664ea9a2de-8436836.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":682},{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"ISFED ","altText":"Nino Doladze, right, with Pawel Herczynski, left, Ambassador of the European Union to Georgia","callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"caption":"Nino Doladze, right, with Pawel Herczynski, left, Ambassador of the European Union to Georgia","url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/68\/36\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_e4fb5fc2-7f45-561e-8f7a-27e05e01785d-8436836.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":854},{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Nino Dolidze","altText":"Smear campaigning against NGOs in Georgia ","callToActionText":null,"width":1600,"caption":"Smear campaigning against NGOs in Georgia ","url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/68\/36\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_9610eda0-23d9-5954-be3a-3e4e4f05642f-8436836.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":1200},{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"ISFED ","altText":"Nino Dolidze, Director of ISFED ","callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"caption":"Nino Dolidze, Director of ISFED ","url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/68\/36\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_a595faf1-dd25-5177-9bb7-ab8516a6c207-8436836.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":1152}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"urlSafeValue":"cantone","twitter":null,"title":"Sergio Cantone"}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"urlSafeValue":"georgia-politics","titleRaw":"Georgia politics","id":10597,"title":"Georgia politics","slug":"georgia-politics"},{"urlSafeValue":"georgia","titleRaw":"Georgia","id":124,"title":"Georgia","slug":"georgia"},{"urlSafeValue":"eu-enlargement","titleRaw":"EU 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news","online":1,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"vertical":"news","verticals":[{"urlSafeValue":"news","id":1,"title":"News","slug":"news"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"urlSafeValue":"news","id":"news","title":"World","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":104,"urlSafeValue":"europe","title":"Europe"},"country":{"id":124,"urlSafeValue":"georgia","title":"Georgia","url":"\/news\/europe\/georgia"},"town":[],"grapeshot":"'gv_safe','gb_safe','gb_safe_from_high','gb_safe_from_high_med','pos_equinor','pos_facebook','pos_pmi','pos_ukraine-russia','gs_politics','gs_politics_issues_policy','gs_politics_misc','gt_negative','neg_facebook_q4','shadow9hu7_pos_ukrainecrisis','neg_saudiaramco','gs_law','neg_facebook','gs_science','gs_politics_elections','neg_intel_mobkoi','gs_science_geography'","versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet-web","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"path":"\/2024\/05\/15\/after-years-of-intimidation-a-georgian-pro-democracy-ngo-faces-the-ultimate-threat","lastModified":1715786746},{"id":2542830,"cid":8437174,"versionId":3,"archive":0,"housenumber":"240515_NWSU_55545107","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"GEORGIA NATO SPOKESPERSON","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Law passed in Georgia 'step in wrong direction,' says NATO spokesperson","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Georgia's new law 'step in wrong direction,' says NATO spokesperson","titleListing2":"New law passed in Georgia \"step in the wrong direction,\" says NATO spokesperson #EuropeanPolitics","leadin":"The law requires media and NGOs to register as \u201cpursuing the interests of a foreign power\u201d if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad.","summary":"The law requires media and NGOs to register as \u201cpursuing the interests of a foreign power\u201d if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad.","keySentence":"","url":"law-passed-in-georgia-step-in-wrong-direction-says-nato-spokesperson","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2024\/05\/15\/law-passed-in-georgia-step-in-wrong-direction-says-nato-spokesperson","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"The new \"Russian law\" that passed in Georgia is a step in the wrong direction, a NATO spokesperson said on Wednesday. \n\n\u201cThe Georgian government\u2019s decision to pass legislation on so-called \u2018foreign agents\u2019 is a step in the wrong direction,\u201d said NATO spokesperson Farah Dakhlallah, and added that it took Georgia \u201cfurther away from European and Euro-Atlantic integration.\u201d \n\nThe law requires media and NGOs to register as \u201cpursuing the interests of a foreign power\u201d if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad. \n\nOpponents of the bill, who have dubbed it the \"Russian law\" because of similar legislation enacted by the Kremlin, say it undermines democracy and could derail the country\u2019s chances of joining the EU. \n\nGeorgia has been an official candidate country since December last year, and support for membership among the population is high, with the National Democratic Institute putting it at 81%. \n\nProtests against the bill have been ongoing for weeks. On Tuesday night, protesters blocked the main highway in Tbilisi after some clashed with riot police outside parliament earlier in the day. \n\nOpposition to the law also exists outside Georgia\u00a0\u2014 with the White House saying it was \u201cdeeply troubled\u201d and the UK, Germany, Italy and France urging Georgia to withdraw the law. \n\n","htmlText":"<p>The new \"Russian law\" that passed in Georgia is a step in the wrong direction, a NATO spokesperson said on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe Georgian government\u2019s decision to pass legislation on so-called \u2018foreign agents\u2019 is a step in the wrong direction,\u201d said NATO spokesperson Farah Dakhlallah, and added that it took Georgia \u201cfurther away from European and Euro-Atlantic integration.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-tweet widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio\u2014auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <div class=\"widget__tweet\" data-tweet-id=\"1790657194611859486\"><\/div>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The law requires media and NGOs to register as \u201cpursuing the interests of a foreign power\u201d if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad.<\/p>\n<p>Opponents of the bill, who have dubbed it the \"Russian law\" because of similar legislation enacted by the Kremlin, say it undermines democracy and could derail the country\u2019s chances of joining the EU.<\/p>\n<p>Georgia has been an official candidate country since December last year, and support for membership among the population is high, with the National Democratic Institute putting it at 81%.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-tweet widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio\u2014auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <div class=\"widget__tweet\" data-tweet-id=\"1790401378847719626\"><\/div>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Protests against the bill have been ongoing for weeks. On Tuesday night, protesters blocked the main highway in Tbilisi after some clashed with riot police outside parliament earlier in the day.<\/p>\n<p>Opposition to the law also exists outside Georgia\u00a0\u2014 with the White House saying it was \u201cdeeply troubled\u201d and the UK, Germany, Italy and France urging Georgia to withdraw the law.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1715766742,"updatedAt":1715772076,"publishedAt":1715767508,"firstPublishedAt":1715767512,"lastPublishedAt":1715767508,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Zurab Tsertsvadze\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved","altText":"A woman holds a Georgian national and an EU flags in front of riot police blocking a street (AP Photo\/Zurab Tsertsvadze)","callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"caption":"A woman holds a Georgian national and an EU flags in front of riot police blocking a street (AP Photo\/Zurab Tsertsvadze)","url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/56\/10\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_d02ef325-3ee2-5e2a-82a5-77865b97ad40-8435610.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":683}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"urlSafeValue":"georgia-politics","titleRaw":"Georgia politics","id":10597,"title":"Georgia politics","slug":"georgia-politics"},{"urlSafeValue":"georgia","titleRaw":"Georgia","id":124,"title":"Georgia","slug":"georgia"},{"urlSafeValue":"nato","titleRaw":"NATO","id":205,"title":"NATO","slug":"nato"},{"urlSafeValue":"european-union","titleRaw":"European Union","id":105,"title":"European Union","slug":"european-union"}],"widgets":[{"count":2,"slug":"twitter"}],"related":[{"id":2542542},{"id":2542280},{"id":2542742}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"NMU7VHHlYxM","dailymotionId":"x8yiyca"},"video":1,"videos":[{"duration":61120,"editor":"","filesizeBytes":8001700,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/NW\/SU\/24\/05\/15\/en\/240515_NWSU_55545107_55545140_61120_131432_en.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"md"},{"duration":61120,"editor":"","filesizeBytes":12324516,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/NW\/SU\/24\/05\/15\/en\/240515_NWSU_55545107_55545140_61120_131432_en.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"hd"}],"liveStream":[{"endDate":0,"startDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"AP & EBU","additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"Euronews","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"world news","online":1,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"vertical":"news","verticals":[{"urlSafeValue":"news","id":1,"title":"News","slug":"news"},{"urlSafeValue":"my-europe","id":2,"title":"My Europe","slug":"my-europe"},{"urlSafeValue":"my-europe","id":2,"title":"My Europe","slug":"my-europe"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"urlSafeValue":"news","id":"news","title":"World","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/news\/international"},{"urlSafeValue":"europe-decoded","id":"europe-decoded","title":"Europe Decoded","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/news\/international"},{"urlSafeValue":"europe-news","id":"europe-news","title":"Europe 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PM ON RUSSIAN LAW","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Georgia's prime minister says 'Russian law' necessary for peace as protests continue","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Georgia's prime minister says 'Russian law' necessary for peace","titleListing2":"Georgia's prime minister says 'Russian law' necessary for peace as protests continue","leadin":"The law requires media and non-governmental organisations to register as \"pursuing the interests of a foreign power\" if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad.","summary":"The law requires media and non-governmental organisations to register as \"pursuing the interests of a foreign power\" if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad.","keySentence":"","url":"georgias-prime-minister-says-russian-law-necessary-for-peace-as-protests-continue","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/my-europe\/2024\/05\/15\/georgias-prime-minister-says-russian-law-necessary-for-peace-as-protests-continue","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Georgia's prime minister has said the passage of a controversial foreign influence bill, which has sparked mass protests around the country, \"creates strong guarantees of long-term peace and tranquillity\". \n\nIrakli Kobakhidze said the law will help to overcome political polarisation, which he called \"a necessary condition for Georgia\u2019s integration into the European Union\". \n\n\"When the political opposition convinces its supporters of something and then they go out on the streets, this is an absolutely normal and healthy event, but the political minority cannot in any case force the political majority to accept or not accept a decision that serves to strengthen the state interests of Georgia,\" he said. \n\nThe law requires media and non-governmental organisations to register as \"pursuing the interests of a foreign power\" if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad. \n\nHowever, opponents of the bill, who have dubbed it the \"Russian law\" because of similar legislation enacted by the Kremlin, say it undermines democracy and could derail the country\u2019s chances of joining the EU. \n\nGeorgia has been an official candidate country since December last year, and support for membership among the population is high, with the National Democratic Institute putting it at 81%. \n\n\"Basically the main idea is that the Georgian government, which can be now can be openly called the Russian government, decided to switch the direction of foreign policy towards Russia and they basically copied the same laws that Putin introduced, the so-called foreign agent bill. And as you can see there is mass protests going on against that,\" said former president of the Georgian Bank, Irakli Kadagizde. \n\nProtests against the bill have been ongoing for weeks. On Tuesday night, protesters blocked the main highway in Tbilisi after some clashed with riot police outside parliament earlier in the day. \n\nThere's also been opposition outside Georgia. The White House said it was \"deeply troubled\" that parliament had passed the bill with the State Department even warning of possible sanctions. The UK, Germany, Italy, and France also urged Georgia to withdraw it. \n\nAnother vocal critic is Georgia\u2019s President Salome Zourabichvili, who has said she will veto the bill. However, the ruling party can override that veto if it can gather 76 votes to pass it. \n\n","htmlText":"<p>Georgia's prime minister has said the passage of a controversial foreign influence bill, which has sparked mass protests around the country, \"creates strong guarantees of long-term peace and tranquillity\".<\/p>\n<p>Irakli Kobakhidze said the law will help to overcome political polarisation, which he called \"a necessary condition for Georgia\u2019s integration into the European Union\".<\/p>\n<p>\"When the political opposition convinces its supporters of something and then they go out on the streets, this is an absolutely normal and healthy event, but the political minority cannot in any case force the political majority to accept or not accept a decision that serves to strengthen the state interests of Georgia,\" he said.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6667381054436348\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//08//43//62//34//808x539_cmsv2_0d38db52-bc6b-5799-8608-bf944c43d8b5-8436234.jpg/" alt=\"Demonstrators hold a Georgian national flag in front of an eternal flame at the Square of Heroes during an opposition protest in Tbilisi, May 14, 2024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/62\/34\/384x256_cmsv2_0d38db52-bc6b-5799-8608-bf944c43d8b5-8436234.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/62\/34\/640x427_cmsv2_0d38db52-bc6b-5799-8608-bf944c43d8b5-8436234.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/62\/34\/750x500_cmsv2_0d38db52-bc6b-5799-8608-bf944c43d8b5-8436234.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/62\/34\/828x552_cmsv2_0d38db52-bc6b-5799-8608-bf944c43d8b5-8436234.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/62\/34\/1080x720_cmsv2_0d38db52-bc6b-5799-8608-bf944c43d8b5-8436234.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/62\/34\/1200x800_cmsv2_0d38db52-bc6b-5799-8608-bf944c43d8b5-8436234.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/62\/34\/1920x1280_cmsv2_0d38db52-bc6b-5799-8608-bf944c43d8b5-8436234.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Demonstrators hold a Georgian national flag in front of an eternal flame at the Square of Heroes during an opposition protest in Tbilisi, May 14, 2024<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Zurab Tsertsvadze\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The law requires media and non-governmental organisations to register as \"pursuing the interests of a foreign power\" if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad.<\/p>\n<p>However, opponents of the bill, who have dubbed it the \"Russian law\" because of similar legislation enacted by the Kremlin, say it undermines democracy and could derail the country\u2019s chances of joining the EU.<\/p>\n<p>Georgia has been an official candidate country since December last year, and support for membership among the population is high, with the National Democratic Institute putting it at 81%.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-tweet widget--size-large widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio\u2014auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <div class=\"widget__tweet\" data-tweet-id=\"1790401378847719626\"><\/div>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Georgia's president thanks the EU for support<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>\"Basically the main idea is that the Georgian government, which can be now can be openly called the Russian government, decided to switch the direction of foreign policy towards Russia and they basically copied the same laws that Putin introduced, the so-called foreign agent bill. And as you can see there is mass protests going on against that,\" said former president of the Georgian Bank, Irakli Kadagizde.<\/p>\n<p>Protests against the bill have been ongoing for weeks. On Tuesday night, protesters blocked the main highway in Tbilisi after some clashed with riot police outside parliament earlier in the day.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"8433684,8432540\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2024//05//13//eu-urges-georgias-government-to-stick-with-democratic-path-to-eu-membership/">EU urges Georgia's government to stick with democratic path to EU membership<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2024//05//14//georgias-parliament-approves-controversial-foreign-influence-law/">Georgia's parliament approves controversial 'foreign influence law'<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>There's also been opposition outside Georgia. The White House said it was \"deeply troubled\" that parliament had passed the bill with the State Department even warning of possible sanctions. The UK, Germany, Italy, and France also urged Georgia to withdraw it.<\/p>\n<p>Another vocal critic is Georgia\u2019s President Salome Zourabichvili, who has said she will veto the bill. However, the ruling party can override that veto if it can gather 76 votes to pass it.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1715736307,"updatedAt":1715757137,"publishedAt":1715747475,"firstPublishedAt":1715747479,"lastPublishedAt":1715747475,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Zurab Tsertsvadze\/Copyright 2024 The AP. 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","leadin":"Protesters clash with riot police outside Georgia's parliament after approval of a divisive bill, igniting weeks of demonstrations.","summary":"Protesters clash with riot police outside Georgia's parliament after approval of a divisive bill, igniting weeks of demonstrations.","keySentence":"","url":"clashes-erupt-in-georgia-as-divisive-bill-passes","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2024\/05\/14\/clashes-erupt-in-georgia-as-divisive-bill-passes","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Critics fear it jeopardizes democratic freedoms and EU aspirations, requiring media and NGOs to register if over 20% of funding is foreign. The government argues it combats harmful foreign influence and prevents destabilization. Opposition labels it \"the Russian law,\" akin to Moscow's crackdown on dissent. Mass protests grip the nation, echoing last year's pressure on a similar bill. Renewed demonstrations prompt police clashes with tear gas and water cannons. President Zourabichvili vows veto, but ruling party's majority could override it. \n\n","htmlText":"<p>Critics fear it jeopardizes democratic freedoms and EU aspirations, requiring media and NGOs to register if over 20% of funding is foreign. The government argues it combats harmful foreign influence and prevents destabilization. Opposition labels it \"the Russian law,\" akin to Moscow's crackdown on dissent. Mass protests grip the nation, echoing last year's pressure on a similar bill. Renewed demonstrations prompt police clashes with tear gas and water cannons. President Zourabichvili vows veto, but ruling party's majority could override it.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1715701613,"updatedAt":1715709064,"publishedAt":1715708711,"firstPublishedAt":1715708740,"lastPublishedAt":1715708711,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/56\/10\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_d02ef325-3ee2-5e2a-82a5-77865b97ad40-8435610.jpg","altText":"A woman holds a Georgian national and an EU flags in front of riot police","caption":"A woman holds a Georgian national and an EU flags in front of riot police","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Zurab Tsertsvadze\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":683}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"urlSafeValue":"mauduit","title":"Frederique Mauduit","twitter":null}],"producers":[{"urlSafeValue":"mauduit","title":"Frederique Mauduit","twitter":null}],"videoEditor":[{"urlSafeValue":"mauduit","title":"Frederique Mauduit","twitter":null}]},"keywords":[{"id":124,"slug":"georgia","urlSafeValue":"georgia","title":"Georgia","titleRaw":"Georgia"},{"id":27110,"slug":"protestas","urlSafeValue":"protestas","title":"Protests","titleRaw":"Protests"},{"id":239,"slug":"russia","urlSafeValue":"russia","title":"Russia","titleRaw":"Russia"},{"id":8089,"slug":"press-freedom","urlSafeValue":"press-freedom","title":"Press freedom","titleRaw":"Press 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7 GEORGIA PARLIAMENT SCUFFLES","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Fighting breaks out in Georgian parliament over 'Russian law'","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"WATCH: Fighting breaks out in Georgian parliament over 'Russian law'","titleListing2":"WATCH: Fighting breaks out in Georgian parliament over 'Russian law'","leadin":"Tensions flared in the Georgian parliament during a debate on a controversial 'foreign influence' bill, seen as a threat to democracy.","summary":"Tensions flared in the Georgian parliament during a debate on a controversial 'foreign influence' bill, seen as a threat to democracy.","keySentence":"","url":"fights-break-out-in-georgian-parliament-over-russia-bill","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2024\/05\/14\/fights-break-out-in-georgian-parliament-over-russia-bill","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Tensions flared in the Georgian parliament on Tuesday as lawmakers debated a controversial \"Russian law\" that critics see as a threat to democratic freedoms. \n\nThe bill would require media, nongovernmental organisations and other nonprofits to register as \"pursuing the interests of a foreign power\" if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad. \n\nOpponents have denounced the bill as \"the Russian law\", dubbed after the similar legislation that Moscow to crack down on dissidents and government critics. \n\n","htmlText":"<p>Tensions flared in the Georgian parliament on Tuesday as lawmakers debated a controversial \"Russian law\" that critics see as a threat to democratic freedoms.<\/p>\n<p>The bill would require media, nongovernmental organisations and other nonprofits to register as \"pursuing the interests of a foreign power\" if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad.<\/p>\n<p>Opponents have denounced the bill as \"the Russian law\", dubbed after the similar legislation that Moscow to crack down on dissidents and government critics.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1715697198,"updatedAt":1715708388,"publishedAt":1715703893,"firstPublishedAt":1715703896,"lastPublishedAt":1715703893,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP\/Mtavari Channel","altText":"This photo taken from video, released by Mtavari Channel on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, shows Georgian lawmakers fighting during a parliament session in Tbilisi, Georgia.","callToActionText":null,"width":2674,"caption":"This photo taken from video, released by Mtavari Channel on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, shows Georgian lawmakers fighting during a parliament session in Tbilisi, 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PARLIAMENT NEW LAW","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Georgia's parliament approves controversial 'foreign influence law'","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Georgia's parliament approves controversial 'Russian law'","titleListing2":"Georgia's parliament approves controversial 'foreign influence law'","leadin":"President Salome Zourabichvili said she would veto the legislation but the ruling party pressed ahead with the controversial bill.","summary":"President Salome Zourabichvili said she would veto the legislation but the ruling party pressed ahead with the controversial bill.","keySentence":"","url":"georgias-parliament-approves-controversial-foreign-influence-law","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2024\/05\/14\/georgias-parliament-approves-controversial-foreign-influence-law","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"The Georgian parliament has approved a controversial law tightening checks and increasing fines on organisations getting funds from overseas. \n\nAny company - including media outlets and NGOs - would now be required to register as \"pursuing the interests of a foreign power\" if receiving\u00a0over 20 percent of funds from abroad. \n\nThe opposition defined the bill as \"the Russian law,\" drawing parallels to Moscow's use of similar measures to suppress independent media and stigmatise activists. \n\nTens of thousands have been demonstrating against the bill \n\nThe law's approval followed weeks of intense and widespread protests in Georgia marked by clashes between protesters and police authorities, as well as several arrests, with tens of thousands of people taking to the streets. \n\nIn a desperate attempt to stop the bill getting to the final reading, activists tried to block parliament's access on Monday, while over the weekend, huge gatherings took place in the streets of the capital, Tbilisi, with protesters draped in Georgian and EU flags. \n\nGeorgia's ruling Dream Party had tried to get the law passed last year already, but they finally had to backtrack after a huge wave of demonstrations.\u00a0 \n\nThey pressed ahead again in March 2024, arguing\u00a0such legislation was needed to stem a perceived foreign influence and destabilisation attempts on Georgia's politics. \n\nGeorgian Dream's Archil Talakvadze said \"Society must have complete information as to who is participating in the public politics of their country, who participates in the process of making important decisions, and what influences each and every one of them\". \n\nHowever, the opposition argues Georgia now faces international isolation. \n\nIndependent MP Teona Akubardia says that by passing this law Georgia \"is left isolated from the West and becomes an even easier pray for Russia\". \n\n'Extreme conditions in parliament' \n\nDuring the reading of the bill, lawmakers got into a massive brawl, which was followed by further clashes between police and activists outside parliament. \n\n\"Today's parliamentary session was held under extraordinary and unusual conditions. With a yellow-level security alert in effect, deputies, staff, and journalists were compelled to exit the parliament building as quickly as possible,\"\u00a0 Euronews Georgia journalist Aleko Gvetadze explains. \n\nIs it over for Georgia's EU membership application? \n\nMany argue the \"foreign influence law\" is going to hamper Georgia's EU membership bid. \n\nThe country was granted candidate status in December, but the Commission warned Georgia would need to get on a path of rule of law and justice reforms. \n\nFollowing recent events, EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen warned \u00a0Georgia was standing \"at a crossroads \" and should remain \"on course\" to join Europe. \n\nThe block's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell expressed concerns too over parliamentary proceedings, cautioning that the bill's enactment would impede Georgia's progress toward EU integration. \n\nSimilarly, the US said two weeks ago that \"Georgia's Western trajectory was at risk\". \n\n\"The United States condemns the Kremlin-inspired 'foreign influence' legislation'\",\u00a0said the US Department of State, denouncing \"the false narrative government officials have adopted to defend it.\" \n\n\"Members of the ruling party have been clear that the intent of the law is to silence critical voices and destroy Georgia\u2019s vibrant civil society\", it added. \n\n","htmlText":"<p>The Georgian parliament has approved a controversial law tightening checks and increasing fines on organisations getting funds from overseas.<\/p>\n<p>Any company - including media outlets and NGOs - would now be required to register as \"pursuing the interests of a foreign power\" if receiving\u00a0over 20 percent of funds from abroad.<\/p>\n<p>The opposition defined the bill as \"the Russian law,\" drawing parallels to Moscow's use of similar measures to suppress independent media and stigmatise activists.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.666015625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//08//43//12//78//808x539_cmsv2_4dc259c3-e764-59e0-a9fd-fd972807d6ba-8431278.jpg/" alt=\"Police try to detain a demonstrator near the Parliament building during an opposition protest against "the Russian law" in the center of Tbilisi, Georgia, on Monday, 13May 24\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/12\/78\/384x256_cmsv2_4dc259c3-e764-59e0-a9fd-fd972807d6ba-8431278.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/12\/78\/640x426_cmsv2_4dc259c3-e764-59e0-a9fd-fd972807d6ba-8431278.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/12\/78\/750x500_cmsv2_4dc259c3-e764-59e0-a9fd-fd972807d6ba-8431278.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/12\/78\/828x551_cmsv2_4dc259c3-e764-59e0-a9fd-fd972807d6ba-8431278.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/12\/78\/1080x719_cmsv2_4dc259c3-e764-59e0-a9fd-fd972807d6ba-8431278.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/12\/78\/1200x799_cmsv2_4dc259c3-e764-59e0-a9fd-fd972807d6ba-8431278.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/12\/78\/1920x1279_cmsv2_4dc259c3-e764-59e0-a9fd-fd972807d6ba-8431278.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Police try to detain a demonstrator near the Parliament building during an opposition protest against "the Russian law" in the center of Tbilisi, Georgia, on Monday, 13May 24<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AP<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>Tens of thousands have been demonstrating against the bill<\/h2><p>The law's approval followed weeks of intense and widespread protests in Georgia marked by clashes between protesters and police authorities, as well as several arrests, with tens of thousands of people taking to the streets.<\/p>\n<p>In a desperate attempt to stop the bill getting to the final reading, activists tried to block parliament's access on Monday, while over the weekend, huge gatherings took place in the streets of the capital, Tbilisi, with protesters draped in Georgian and EU flags.<\/p>\n<p>Georgia's ruling Dream Party had tried to get the law passed last year already, but they finally had to backtrack after a huge wave of demonstrations.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>They pressed ahead again in March 2024, arguing\u00a0such legislation was needed to stem a perceived foreign influence and destabilisation attempts on Georgia's politics.<\/p>\n<p>Georgian Dream's Archil Talakvadze said \"Society must have complete information as to who is participating in the public politics of their country, who participates in the process of making important decisions, and what influences each and every one of them\".<\/p>\n<p>However, the opposition argues Georgia now faces international isolation.<\/p>\n<p>Independent MP Teona Akubardia says that by passing this law Georgia \"is left isolated from the West and becomes an even easier pray for Russia\".<\/p>\n<h2>'Extreme conditions in parliament'<\/h2><p>During the reading of the bill, lawmakers got into a massive brawl, which was followed by further clashes between police and activists outside parliament.<\/p>\n<p>\"Today's parliamentary session was held under extraordinary and unusual conditions. With a yellow-level security alert in effect, deputies, staff, and journalists were compelled to exit the parliament building as quickly as possible,\"\u00a0Euronews Georgia journalist Aleko Gvetadze explains.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"8432540\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2024//05//13//eu-urges-georgias-government-to-stick-with-democratic-path-to-eu-membership/">EU urges Georgia's government to stick with democratic path to EU membership<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-euronews\nwidget--size-fullwidth\nwidget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <div class=\"auto widget__ratio widget__ratio--16x9\">\n <iframe type=\"text\/html\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//embed//2541028/" width=\"100%\" loading=\"lazy\" frameborder=\"0\" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen seamless>\n <\/iframe>\n <\/div>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>Is it over for Georgia's EU membership application?<\/h2><p>Many argue the \"foreign influence law\" is going to hamper Georgia's EU membership bid.<\/p>\n<p>The country was granted <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.consilium.europa.eu//en//policies//enlargement//georgia//#:~:text=Georgia%20applied%20for%20EU%20membership,out%20in%20a%20Commission%20recommendation.\"><strong>candidate status<\/strong><\/a> in December, but the Commission warned Georgia would need to get on a path of rule of law and justice reforms.<\/p>\n<p>Following recent events, EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////neighbourhood-enlargement.ec.europa.eu//news//statement-president-von-der-leyen-situation-georgia-2024-05-01_en/">warned/u00a0Georgia was standing \"at a crossroads<a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////neighbourhood-enlargement.ec.europa.eu//news//statement-president-von-der-leyen-situation-georgia-2024-05-01_en/">/" and should remain \"on course\" to join Europe.<\/p>\n<p>The block's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell expressed concerns too over parliamentary proceedings, cautioning that the bill's enactment would impede Georgia's progress toward EU integration.<\/p>\n<p>Similarly, the US said two weeks ago that \"Georgia's Western trajectory was at risk\".<\/p>\n<p>\"The United States condemns the Kremlin-inspired 'foreign influence' legislation'\",\u00a0said the US Department of State, denouncing \"the false narrative government officials have adopted to defend it.\"<\/p>\n<p>\"Members of the ruling party have been clear that the intent of the law is to silence critical voices and destroy Georgia\u2019s vibrant civil society\", it added.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1715668437,"updatedAt":1715705824,"publishedAt":1715688151,"firstPublishedAt":1715688185,"lastPublishedAt":1715688151,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo\/Zurab Tsertsvadze","altText":"Demonstrators in gas masks stand near the Parliament building during an opposition protest against \"the Russian law\" in the center of Tbilisi, Georgia, on Monday, May 13, 2024","callToActionText":null,"width":5000,"caption":"Demonstrators in gas masks stand near the Parliament building during an opposition protest against \"the Russian law\" in the center of Tbilisi, Georgia, on Monday, May 13, 2024","url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/36\/84\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_7119f5b8-0f3b-5785-b3c6-cad5352f0a07-8433684.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":3332},{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Shakh Aivazov\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved","altText":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"caption":null,"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/36\/92\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_fcf08a18-f87c-5424-8971-779153ec1ba1-8433692.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":683},{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP","altText":"Police try to detain a demonstrator near the Parliament building during an opposition protest against \"the Russian law\" in the center of Tbilisi, Georgia, on Monday, 13May 24","callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"caption":"Police try to detain a demonstrator near the Parliament building during an opposition protest against \"the Russian law\" in the center of Tbilisi, Georgia, on Monday, 13May 24","url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/12\/78\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_4dc259c3-e764-59e0-a9fd-fd972807d6ba-8431278.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":682}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"urlSafeValue":"dellanna","twitter":"alessiodellanna","title":"Alessio Dell'Anna"}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"urlSafeValue":"georgia","titleRaw":"Georgia","id":124,"title":"Georgia","slug":"georgia"},{"urlSafeValue":"protestas","titleRaw":"Protests","id":27110,"title":"Protests","slug":"protestas"},{"urlSafeValue":"russia","titleRaw":"Russia","id":239,"title":"Russia","slug":"russia"},{"urlSafeValue":"media-freedom","titleRaw":"media freedom","id":28954,"title":"media freedom","slug":"media-freedom"},{"urlSafeValue":"freedom-of-speech","titleRaw":"Freedom of speech","id":8333,"title":"Freedom of speech","slug":"freedom-of-speech"},{"urlSafeValue":"european-union","titleRaw":"European Union","id":105,"title":"European Union","slug":"european-union"}],"widgets":[{"count":1,"slug":"image"},{"count":1,"slug":"euronews"},{"count":1,"slug":"related"}],"related":[{"id":2541148},{"id":2523564},{"id":2525058}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"szDgCBDTdyQ","dailymotionId":"x8yhb72"},"video":1,"videos":[{"duration":70080,"editor":"","filesizeBytes":8960000,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/NW\/SU\/24\/05\/14\/en\/240514_NWSU_55537328_55539493_117840_182013_en.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"md"},{"duration":70080,"editor":"","filesizeBytes":13826560,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/NW\/SU\/24\/05\/14\/en\/240514_NWSU_55537328_55539493_117840_182013_en.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"hd"}],"liveStream":[{"endDate":0,"startDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"AP","additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"Euronews","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"world news","online":1,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"vertical":"news","verticals":[{"urlSafeValue":"news","id":1,"title":"News","slug":"news"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"urlSafeValue":"news","id":"news","title":"World","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"urlSafeValue":"europe","id":104,"title":"Europe"},"country":{"urlSafeValue":"georgia","id":124,"title":"Georgia","url":"\/news\/europe\/georgia"},"town":[],"grapeshot":"'gv_safe','gb_safe','gb_safe_from_high','gb_safe_from_high_med','pos_ukrainecriris_ru','gs_politics','gs_politics_issues_policy','gs_politics_misc','gt_negative_mistrust','gt_negative'","versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"path":"\/2024\/05\/14\/georgias-parliament-approves-controversial-foreign-influence-law","lastModified":1715688151},{"id":2541028,"cid":8431206,"versionId":12,"archive":0,"housenumber":"240513_NWSU_55522118","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"GEORGIA RUSSIAN LAW APPROUVED","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Georgian parliament set to approve controversial 'foreign influence' law","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Georgian parliament set to approve controversial 'Russian law'","titleListing2":"Georgia is about to approve a controversial law that tightens controls on organisations receiving foreign funds.","leadin":"Georgia is about to approve a controversial law that tightens controls on organisations receiving foreign funds. Critics say it could undermine democracy and derail the country\u2019s chances of joining the European Union.","summary":"Georgia is about to approve a controversial law that tightens controls on organisations receiving foreign funds. Critics say it could undermine democracy and derail the country\u2019s chances of joining the European Union.","keySentence":"","url":"georgian-parliament-set-to-approve-controversial-foreign-influence-law","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2024\/05\/13\/georgian-parliament-set-to-approve-controversial-foreign-influence-law","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"The Legal Affairs Committee of the Georgian Parliament approved a bill on transparency of \"foreign influence\" in its third hearing on Monday, the final step before it goes for a parliamentary vote. \n\nMeanwhile, protesters have gathered in front of the parliament building amid heavy police presence, resulting in a violent standoff. Georgia's Interior Ministry said 20 people were arrested including three foreign citizens - two Americans and a Russian. Footage shows at least one individual being assaulted by police officers. \n\nThe divisive draft law, reintroduced by the ruling Georgian Dream party, requires media and non-commercial organisations to register as being under the foreign influence if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad. \n\nThe proposed legislation has been dubbed \"Russian law\" after a similar rule in\u00a0Russia, which has been used to suppress voices and groups critical of the Kremlin. \n\nCritics say it could undermine democracy and derail the country\u2019s chances of joining the European Union.\u00a0 \n\nIn an online statement last month, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell described the parliament\u2019s move as \"a very concerning development\". \n\nHe warned that \"the final adoption of this legislation would negatively impact Georgia\u2019s progress on its EU path\". \n\nThe draft law is identical to a bill proposed in 2023, which the government was forced to withdraw in the face of mass protests. \n\nAlthough Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili said she would veto the law if it is passed by parliament, the ruling party can override the veto by collecting 76 votes.\u00a0Then the parliament speaker can sign it into law. \n\n","htmlText":"<p>The Legal Affairs Committee of the Georgian Parliament approved a bill on transparency of \"foreign influence\" in its third hearing on Monday, the final step before it goes for a parliamentary vote.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, protesters have gathered in front of the parliament building amid heavy police presence, resulting in a violent standoff. Georgia's Interior Ministry said 20 people were arrested including three foreign citizens - two Americans and a Russian. Footage shows at least one individual being assaulted by police officers.<\/p>\n<p>The divisive draft law, reintroduced by the ruling Georgian Dream party, requires media and non-commercial organisations to register as being under the foreign influence if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad.<\/p>\n<p>The proposed legislation has been dubbed \"Russian law\" after a similar rule in\u00a0Russia, which has been used to suppress voices and groups critical of the Kremlin.<\/p>\n<p>Critics say it could undermine democracy and derail the country\u2019s chances of joining the European Union.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-tweet widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio\u2014auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <div class=\"widget__tweet\" data-tweet-id=\"1789602160419708974\"><\/div>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>In an online statement last month, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell described the parliament\u2019s move as \"a very concerning development\".<\/p>\n<p>He warned that \"the final adoption of this legislation would negatively impact Georgia\u2019s progress on its EU path\".<\/p>\n<p>The draft law is identical to a bill proposed in 2023, which the government was forced to withdraw in the face of mass protests.<\/p>\n<p>Although Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili said she would veto the law if it is passed by parliament, the ruling party can override the veto by collecting 76 votes.\u00a0Then the parliament speaker can sign it into law.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1715581905,"updatedAt":1715624284,"publishedAt":1715623811,"firstPublishedAt":1715590353,"lastPublishedAt":1715623811,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo\/Zurab Tsertsvadze","altText":"Police try to detain a demonstrator near the Parliament building during an opposition protest against \"the Russian law\" in the center of Tbilisi, Georgia, May 13, 2024","callToActionText":null,"width":800,"caption":"Police try to detain a demonstrator near the Parliament building during an opposition protest against \"the Russian law\" in the center of Tbilisi, Georgia, May 13, 2024","url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/12\/12\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_e30e7f22-c763-54df-9ec1-5b191fc071cf-8431212.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":533}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"urlSafeValue":"news","titleRaw":"news","id":11940,"title":"news","slug":"news"},{"urlSafeValue":"georgia-politics","titleRaw":"Georgia politics","id":10597,"title":"Georgia politics","slug":"georgia-politics"},{"urlSafeValue":"georgia","titleRaw":"Georgia","id":124,"title":"Georgia","slug":"georgia"},{"urlSafeValue":"salome-zurabishvili","titleRaw":"Salom\u00e9 Zurabishvili ","id":18294,"title":"Salom\u00e9 Zurabishvili 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bill's anatomy","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Is Georgia's 'foreign influence' law about to become a source of new troubles for Europe?","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Is 'Russian law' about to upset already fragile Georgian democracy?","titleListing2":"Why is Georgian 'foreign Influence' law about to become a source of new troubles for Europe?","leadin":"The Georgian ruling party's 'foreign influence' bill is meant to keep foreign-financed NGOs in check before the October elections. The same law with a slightly different name was pulled out last year among massive rallies and diplomatic condemnations by the EU and the US.","summary":"The Georgian ruling party's 'foreign influence' bill is meant to keep foreign-financed NGOs in check before the October elections. The same law with a slightly different name was pulled out last year among massive rallies and diplomatic condemnations by the EU and the US.","keySentence":"","url":"is-georgias-foreign-influence-law-about-to-become-a-source-of-new-troubles-for-europe","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2024\/05\/13\/is-georgias-foreign-influence-law-about-to-become-a-source-of-new-troubles-for-europe","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"The so-called \"Russian law\" is to play a crucial role before next October's Georgian parliamentary elections.\u00a0 \n\nThe ruling party, Georgian Dream, is willing to reduce drastically the political weight of the NGOs that have been receiving funding from abroad, especially from the EU and the US.\u00a0 \n\nThrough the formally defined \"foreign influence\" law, the Kremlin-friendly Georgian government and parliamentary majority aim to force the NGOs that receive more than 20% of funding from abroad to register as \"foreign agents\".\u00a0\u00a0 \n\nA number of international human rights NGOs with a presence in Georgia, including Transparency International and Human Rights Watch, will be listed on a mandatory public record and declare themselves as \"foreign financed structures\". \n\nWhy is this important? \n\nBoth profit and non-profit organisations that receive outside funding and sign contracts or legal agreements are already registered with the Ministry of Finance as an ordinary legal measure for tax purposes.\u00a0 \n\nHowever, according to the new \"foreign influence\" law, NGOs must declare themselves as \"foreign bodies\" and provide details about who is allocating the financing.\u00a0 \n\nThis immediately raises the question: if the Ministry of Finance already has information concerning where the funding comes from, why force the organisations to register again and label it as influenced by foreign actors? \n\nAccording to the law's critics, the answer is simple: in legal and political controversies, they can be accused of acting against the national interest of the country where they operate.\u00a0 \n\nHundreds of thousands of Georgian citizens have been taking to the streets of Tbilisi for weeks, asking the government to withdraw the bill.\u00a0 \n\nThe protesters regard the definition of \"foreign influence\" as too ambiguous, and the wording looks unfit for a legal document according to the rule of law principles.\u00a0 \n\nIn Georgian society's eyes, the bill is incredibly similar to a law that entered into force in Russia in 2012, when the Russian Federation initiated a clampdown on public freedoms and civil rights.\u00a0 \n\nHow does the ruling party justify the move? \n\nThe ruling party's explanations about the law's purpose have disquieting echoes in pro-EU and pro-Western public opinion.\u00a0 \n\n\"The financing of NGOs, which presents itself as help for us, is in reality for strengthening (foreign) intelligence agencies, and for bringing them to power,\" Bidzina Ivanishvili, the billionaire oligarch chairman and founder of the Georgian Dream party, said last month at \u00a0the beginning of the parliamentary process of the draft bill. \n\nHe also said that the law would prevent the Western \"global party of the war\" from interfering in Georgian politics.\u00a0\u00a0 \n\nIvanishvili has had an erratic relationship with the EU and Russia. When his political force came to power in 2012, he encouraged Georgia's application to join the EU, yet two years ago, the European Parliament proposed measures against Ivanishvili for helping the Kremlin avoid the EU sanctions.\u00a0 \n\nGeorgia is an EU candidate country, but Tbilisi didn't join the bloc's sanctions against Moscow.\u00a0\u00a0 \n\nZourabishvili as the counterweight \n\nThe former Soviet Republic in the Southern Caucasus has been living a precarious geopolitical existence since its independence in 1991.\u00a0\u00a0 \n\nIt was defeated in a war with Russia in 2008, with the runaway Kremlin-backed para-state of Abkhazia currently occupying some 20% of its territory. Since then, the various Georgian governments have had to strike a balance between Moscow and the West.\u00a0 \n\nGeorgian Dream's Irakli Kobakhidze, a proxy of Ivanishvili,\u00a0is the current prime minister. \n\nAccording to the protesters who have been opposing the so-called \"Russian law\", both political leaders are pro-Russians and are working in the Kremlin's best interest. \n\nPresident Salom\u00e9 Zourabishvili is outspokenly against the law, yet her veto power is ineffective if the draft gets the approval of 76 MPs, allowing the parliament to override it.\u00a0 \n\nIn turn, Zourabishvili has turned into an informal guarantor of Georgia's European and Western commitments. \n\nA former French diplomat of Georgian origins, the president has distanced herself from Ivanishvili and started making an independent policy, entering into collision with the executive. \n\nWith domestic political polarisation at its highest, the general elections scheduled for next October \u00a0are set to become the turning point of the Georgian geopolitical swing. \n\n\nThe opposition is weak and divided, and the citizens keep spontaneously gathering for mass pro-EU rallies.\u00a0 \n\nThe NGOs should become the guarantors of the transparency of the electoral process.\u00a0 \n\nIf the president falls, the balance is gone\u00a0 \n\nAt the institutional level, Zourabishvili has taken the strongest and the most meaningful critical stance.\u00a0 Yet, as of next December, there could be a new president.\u00a0 \n\nAccording to a constitutional amendment, the president's election has now been handed over to the parliament. \n\nBy showing up in thousands to the ongoing protests, the Georgians are massively showing their commitment to the EU in Tbilisi and might be the driving force that could swing the country westward. Yet, the ruling party will try to receive the needed electoral support from the rural areas.\u00a0\u00a0 \n\nThere is a concrete risk that Georgia could lose its fragile stability, which would further fuel the ongoing tensions between the West and Russia.\u00a0\u00a0 \n\nIf an openly pro-Western government were to win the October elections, it would be a major setback for the Kremlin in the Southern Caucasus.\u00a0 \n\n","htmlText":"<p>The so-called \"Russian law\" is to play a crucial role before next October's Georgian parliamentary elections.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The ruling party, Georgian Dream, is willing to reduce drastically the political weight of the NGOs that have been receiving funding from abroad, especially from the EU and the US.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Through the formally defined \"foreign influence\" law, the Kremlin-friendly Georgian government and parliamentary majority aim to force the NGOs that receive more than 20% of funding from abroad to register as \"foreign agents\".\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>A number of international human rights NGOs with a presence in Georgia, including Transparency International and Human Rights Watch, will be listed on a mandatory public record and declare themselves as \"foreign financed structures\".<\/p>\n<h2>Why is this important?<\/h2><p>Both profit and non-profit organisations that receive outside funding and sign contracts or legal agreements are already registered with the Ministry of Finance as an ordinary legal measure for tax purposes.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>However, according to the new \"foreign influence\" law, NGOs must declare themselves as \"foreign bodies\" and provide details about who is allocating the financing.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>This immediately raises the question: if the Ministry of Finance already has information concerning where the funding comes from, why force the organisations to register again and label it as influenced by foreign actors?<\/p>\n<p>According to the law's critics, the answer is simple: in legal and political controversies, they can be accused of acting against the national interest of the country where they operate.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6669921875\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//08//43//17//20//808x539_cmsv2_a67a7a24-e307-50fd-b26c-4b03016b5585-8431720.jpg/" alt=\"Demonstrators wave a Georgian national flag as they gather outside the parliament building in Tbilisi\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/17\/20\/384x256_cmsv2_a67a7a24-e307-50fd-b26c-4b03016b5585-8431720.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/17\/20\/640x427_cmsv2_a67a7a24-e307-50fd-b26c-4b03016b5585-8431720.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/17\/20\/750x500_cmsv2_a67a7a24-e307-50fd-b26c-4b03016b5585-8431720.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/17\/20\/828x552_cmsv2_a67a7a24-e307-50fd-b26c-4b03016b5585-8431720.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/17\/20\/1080x720_cmsv2_a67a7a24-e307-50fd-b26c-4b03016b5585-8431720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/17\/20\/1200x800_cmsv2_a67a7a24-e307-50fd-b26c-4b03016b5585-8431720.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/17\/20\/1920x1281_cmsv2_a67a7a24-e307-50fd-b26c-4b03016b5585-8431720.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Demonstrators wave a Georgian national flag as they gather outside the parliament building in Tbilisi<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Zurab Tsertsvadze\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Hundreds of thousands of Georgian citizens have been taking to the streets of Tbilisi for weeks, asking the government to withdraw the bill.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"8431206,8431278\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2024//05//13//georgian-parliament-set-to-approve-controversial-foreign-influence-law/">Georgian parliament set to approve controversial 'foreign influence' law<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2024//05//13//watch-tensions-rise-in-georgia-ahead-of-foreign-influence-bill-hearing/">WATCH: Tensions rise in Georgia ahead of foreign influence bill hearing<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The protesters regard the definition of \"foreign influence\" as too ambiguous, and the wording looks unfit for a legal document according to the rule of law principles.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In Georgian society's eyes, the bill is incredibly similar to a law that entered into force in Russia in 2012, when the Russian Federation initiated a clampdown on public freedoms and civil rights.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2>How does the ruling party justify the move?<\/h2><p>The ruling party's explanations about the law's purpose have disquieting echoes in pro-EU and pro-Western public opinion.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\"The financing of NGOs, which presents itself as help for us, is in reality for strengthening (foreign) intelligence agencies, and for bringing them to power,\" Bidzina Ivanishvili, the billionaire oligarch chairman and founder of the Georgian Dream party, said last month at\u00a0the beginning of the parliamentary process of the draft bill.<\/p>\n<p>He also said that the law would prevent the Western \"global party of the war\" from interfering in Georgian politics.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.666015625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//08//43//17//20//808x539_cmsv2_1b0098a5-6c70-5939-8e3b-d67e2f6ed6d0-8431720.jpg/" alt=\"Billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, leader of the created by him the Georgian Dream party greets demonstrators during a rally in support of "Russian law" in Tbilisi, Georgia\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/17\/20\/384x256_cmsv2_1b0098a5-6c70-5939-8e3b-d67e2f6ed6d0-8431720.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/17\/20\/640x426_cmsv2_1b0098a5-6c70-5939-8e3b-d67e2f6ed6d0-8431720.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/17\/20\/750x500_cmsv2_1b0098a5-6c70-5939-8e3b-d67e2f6ed6d0-8431720.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/17\/20\/828x551_cmsv2_1b0098a5-6c70-5939-8e3b-d67e2f6ed6d0-8431720.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/17\/20\/1080x719_cmsv2_1b0098a5-6c70-5939-8e3b-d67e2f6ed6d0-8431720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/17\/20\/1200x799_cmsv2_1b0098a5-6c70-5939-8e3b-d67e2f6ed6d0-8431720.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/17\/20\/1920x1279_cmsv2_1b0098a5-6c70-5939-8e3b-d67e2f6ed6d0-8431720.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, leader of the created by him the Georgian Dream party greets demonstrators during a rally in support of "Russian law" in Tbilisi, Georgia<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Shakh Aivazov\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Ivanishvili has had an erratic relationship with the EU and Russia. When his political force came to power in 2012, he encouraged Georgia's application to join the EU, yet two years ago, the European Parliament proposed measures against Ivanishvili for helping the Kremlin avoid the EU sanctions.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"8410730,8408766\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//my-europe//2024//05//02//von-der-leyen-condemns-violence-as-georgias-parliament-passes-russian-law/">Von der Leyen condemns violence as Georgia's parliament passes 'Russian law'<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//my-europe//2024//05//01//police-beat-and-arrest-tbilisi-protesters-as-parliament-debates-controversial-transparency/">Police beat and arrest Tbilisi protesters as parliament debates controversial transparency law<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Georgia is an EU candidate country, but Tbilisi didn't join the bloc's sanctions against Moscow.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2>Zourabishvili as the counterweight<\/h2><p>The former Soviet Republic in the Southern Caucasus has been living a precarious geopolitical existence since its independence in 1991.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>It was defeated in a war with Russia in 2008, with the runaway Kremlin-backed para-state of Abkhazia currently occupying some 20% of its territory. Since then, the various Georgian governments have had to strike a balance between Moscow and the West.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Georgian Dream's Irakli Kobakhidze, a proxy of Ivanishvili,\u00a0is the current prime minister.<\/p>\n<p>According to the protesters who have been opposing the so-called \"Russian law\", both political leaders are pro-Russians and are working in the Kremlin's best interest.<\/p>\n<p>President Salom\u00e9 Zourabishvili is outspokenly against the law, yet her veto power is ineffective if the draft gets the approval of 76 MPs, allowing the parliament to override it.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6669921875\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//08//43//17//20//808x539_cmsv2_9e29d376-d474-5737-a353-61f5ed2261bf-8431720.jpg/" alt=\"Georgia's President Salome Zourabichvili, center\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/17\/20\/384x256_cmsv2_9e29d376-d474-5737-a353-61f5ed2261bf-8431720.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/17\/20\/640x427_cmsv2_9e29d376-d474-5737-a353-61f5ed2261bf-8431720.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/17\/20\/750x500_cmsv2_9e29d376-d474-5737-a353-61f5ed2261bf-8431720.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/17\/20\/828x552_cmsv2_9e29d376-d474-5737-a353-61f5ed2261bf-8431720.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/17\/20\/1080x720_cmsv2_9e29d376-d474-5737-a353-61f5ed2261bf-8431720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/17\/20\/1200x800_cmsv2_9e29d376-d474-5737-a353-61f5ed2261bf-8431720.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/17\/20\/1920x1281_cmsv2_9e29d376-d474-5737-a353-61f5ed2261bf-8431720.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Georgia's President Salome Zourabichvili, center<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Shakh Aivazov\/Copyright 2023 The AP. All rights reserved<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>In turn, Zourabishvili has turned into an informal guarantor of Georgia's European and Western commitments.<\/p>\n<p>A former French diplomat of Georgian origins, the president has distanced herself from Ivanishvili and started making an independent policy, entering into collision with the executive.<\/p>\n<p>With domestic political polarisation at its highest, the general elections scheduled for next October\u00a0are set to become the turning point of the Georgian geopolitical swing. <\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"8379504,8364542\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//my-europe//2024//04//17//dont-do-it-eu-urges-georgia-not-to-pass-foreign-influence-law/">EU urges Georgia not to pass 'foreign influence' law<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2024//04//10//russian-style-foreign-agents-bill-in-georgia-just-made-a-comeback/">Russian-style 'foreign agents' bill in Georgia just made a comeback<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The opposition is weak and divided, and the citizens keep spontaneously gathering for mass pro-EU rallies.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The NGOs should become the guarantors of the transparency of the electoral process.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2>If the president falls, the balance is gone<\/h2><p>At the institutional level, Zourabishvili has taken the strongest and the most meaningful critical stance.\u00a0Yet, as of next December, there could be a new president.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>According to a constitutional amendment, the president's election has now been handed over to the parliament.<\/p>\n<p>By showing up in thousands to the ongoing protests, the Georgians are massively showing their commitment to the EU in Tbilisi and might be the driving force that could swing the country westward. Yet, the ruling party will try to receive the needed electoral support from the rural areas.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>There is a concrete risk that Georgia could lose its fragile stability, which would further fuel the ongoing tensions between the West and Russia.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>If an openly pro-Western government were to win the October elections, it would be a major setback for the Kremlin in the Southern Caucasus.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1715589596,"updatedAt":1715609175,"publishedAt":1715609173,"firstPublishedAt":1715609175,"lastPublishedAt":1715609173,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/17\/20\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_87a2c674-3ed7-56b9-9d49-4ea6534abe2b-8431720.jpg","altText":"Georgian pro-EU protesters ","caption":"Georgian pro-EU protesters ","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Shakh Aivazov\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":683},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/17\/20\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_0e99b886-fa45-542b-9376-d13209f5f6f8-8431720.jpg","altText":"Russian soldiers ride atop an APC during the 2008 Georgian-Russian war ","caption":"Russian soldiers ride atop an APC during the 2008 Georgian-Russian war ","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Sergey Ponomarev\/AP2008","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":588},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/17\/20\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_9e29d376-d474-5737-a353-61f5ed2261bf-8431720.jpg","altText":"Georgia's President Salome Zourabichvili, center","caption":"Georgia's President Salome Zourabichvili, center","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Shakh Aivazov\/Copyright 2023 The AP. All rights reserved","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":683},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/17\/20\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_3c5cf470-68d0-527a-80fd-b71b3001a239-8431720.jpg","altText":"Demonstrators gathered outside the parliament building to protest against \"the Russian law\"","caption":"Demonstrators gathered outside the parliament building to protest against \"the Russian law\"","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Zurab Tsertsvadze\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":683},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/17\/20\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_1b0098a5-6c70-5939-8e3b-d67e2f6ed6d0-8431720.jpg","altText":"Demonstrators gathered outside the parliament building to protest against \"the Russian law\"","caption":"Demonstrators gathered outside the parliament building to protest against \"the Russian law\"","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Shakh Aivazov\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":682},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/17\/20\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_a67a7a24-e307-50fd-b26c-4b03016b5585-8431720.jpg","altText":"Demonstrators wave a Georgian national flag as they gather outside the parliament building in Tbilisi","caption":"Demonstrators wave a Georgian national flag as they gather outside the parliament building in Tbilisi","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Zurab Tsertsvadze\/Copyright 2024 The AP. 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Critics see it as a threat to media freedom and the country\u2019s aspirations to join the European Union. \n\n","htmlText":"<p>Police tried to disperse a rally in front of the Georgian Parliament in the capital Tbilisi ahead of the Parliament Juridical Committee meeting to discuss the law on foreign influence.<\/p>\n<p>The bill would require media and non-governmental organisations, and other non-profits to register as \u201cpursuing the interests of a foreign power\u201d if they receive more than 20 percent of their funding from abroad. Critics see it as a threat to media freedom and the country\u2019s aspirations to join the European Union.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1715583160,"updatedAt":1715590808,"publishedAt":1715590521,"firstPublishedAt":1715590526,"lastPublishedAt":1715590521,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/43\/12\/78\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_4dc259c3-e764-59e0-a9fd-fd972807d6ba-8431278.jpg","altText":"Police try to detain demonstrators near the Parliament building during an opposition protest against \"the Russian law\" in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Monday, May 13, 2024.","caption":"Police try to detain demonstrators near the Parliament building during an opposition protest against \"the Russian law\" in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Monday, May 13, 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1 GEORGIA PROTEST","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"WATCH: Police crackdown demonstrations against Georgia's foreign influence bill","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Police crackdown protests against Georgia's foreign influence bill","titleListing2":"WATCH: Police crackdown demonstrations against Georgia's foreign influence bill","leadin":"The final vote for the bill to turn into law is expected for the end of the month.","summary":"The final vote for the bill to turn into law is expected for the end of the month.","keySentence":"","url":"watch-police-crackdown-demonstrations-against-georgias-foreign-influence-bill","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2024\/05\/02\/watch-police-crackdown-demonstrations-against-georgias-foreign-influence-bill","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Thousands gathered at the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, to protest against the so-called \"foreign policies\" bill.\u00a0Injuries were reported as police used tear gas and water cannons to try to drive the crowds away from the gates to the parliament building. \n\nThe law would require any organisation accepting more than 20 percent of its funding from outside Georgia to register as an \u201corganisation pursuing the interests of a foreign power.\u201d \n\n","htmlText":"<p>Thousands gathered at the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, to protest against the so-called \"foreign policies\" bill.\u00a0Injuries were reported as police used tear gas and water cannons to try to drive the crowds away from the gates to the parliament building.<\/p>\n<p>The law would require any organisation accepting more than 20 percent of its funding from outside Georgia to register as an \u201corganisation pursuing the interests of a foreign power.\u201d<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1714634282,"updatedAt":1714639867,"publishedAt":1714639403,"firstPublishedAt":1714639406,"lastPublishedAt":1714639406,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/41\/11\/56\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_d06406f6-d95c-5989-bf53-929ed662a441-8411156.jpg","altText":"Demonstrators wave a Georgian national flag standing in front of police block during an opposition protest against a bill in Tbilisi, Georgia, on May 2, 2024.","caption":"Demonstrators wave a Georgian national flag standing in front of police block during an opposition protest against a bill in Tbilisi, Georgia, on May 2, 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ON GEORGIA LAW","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Von der Leyen condemns violence as Georgia's parliament passes 'Russian law'","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Von der Leyen condemns police violence in Tbilisi","titleListing2":"Von der Leyen condemns violence in Tbilisi as Georgia's parliament passes 'Russian law'","leadin":"Critics fear it could be used to stifle the press and non-governmental organisations and derail the country\u2019s chances of joining the European Union. Georgia has been a candidate country since December 2023.","summary":"Critics fear it could be used to stifle the press and non-governmental organisations and derail the country\u2019s chances of joining the European Union. Georgia has been a candidate country since December 2023.","keySentence":"","url":"von-der-leyen-condemns-violence-as-georgias-parliament-passes-russian-law","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/my-europe\/2024\/05\/02\/von-der-leyen-condemns-violence-as-georgias-parliament-passes-russian-law","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has condemned police violence in Georgia that continued after a controversial foreign influence transparency law passed its second of three readings in parliament. \n\nWriting on X, von der Leyen said: \"I am following the situation in Georgia with great concern and condemn the violence on the streets of Tbilisi.\" \n\n\"The Georgian people want a European future for their country. Georgia is at a crossroads. It should stay the course on the road to Europe.\" \n\nDubbed the 'Russian law', the bill requires media and non-commercial organisations to register as 'pursuing the interests of a foreign power' if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad. \n\nSimilar legislation adopted in Russia was used to help silence voices and groups critical of the Kremlin. \n\nCritics fear it could be used to stifle the press and non-governmental organisations and derail the country\u2019s chances of joining the European Union. Georgia has been a candidate country since December 2023. \n\n\"I think the readiness of people to fight for their freedom, to fight for their European future, is so high that we will definitely overcome and we will definitely defend our freedom no matter how long it takes,\" said Elene Khostaria, leader of the opposition Droa Party. \n\n\"We will protest and we will win,\" she said. \n\nSupport for EU membership among Georgia\u2019s 3.7 million citizens is as high as 81%, according to a 2022 poll by the National Democratic Institute. \n\nBut supporters of the bill, proposed by the ruling Georgian Dream party, say it is necessary to ensure transparency and national sovereignty. \n\nPresident Salome Zourabichvili took to social media to criticise the police response to Tuesday night's demonstrations, which saw some protesters beaten and at least 63 arrested. \n\nShe described the police violence as \"totally unwarranted, unprovoked and out of proportion\". \n\nZourabichvili has vowed to veto the bill but the ruling party can override that by collecting 76 votes. \n\n","htmlText":"<p>EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has condemned police violence in Georgia that continued after a controversial foreign influence transparency law passed its second of three readings in parliament.<\/p>\n<p>Writing on X, von der Leyen said: \"I am following the situation in Georgia with great concern and condemn the violence on the streets of Tbilisi.\"<\/p>\n<p>\"The Georgian people want a European future for their country. Georgia is at a crossroads. It should stay the course on the road to Europe.\"<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-tweet widget--size-medium widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio\u2014auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <div class=\"widget__tweet\" data-tweet-id=\"1785739799401218537\"><\/div>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen posts on X about violence in Georgia<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Dubbed the 'Russian law', the bill requires media and non-commercial organisations to register as 'pursuing the interests of a foreign power' if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad.<\/p>\n<p>Similar legislation adopted in Russia was used to help silence voices and groups critical of the Kremlin.<\/p>\n<p>Critics fear it could be used to stifle the press and non-governmental organisations and derail the country\u2019s chances of joining the European Union. Georgia has been a candidate country since December 2023.<\/p>\n<p>\"I think the readiness of people to fight for their freedom, to fight for their European future, is so high that we will definitely overcome and we will definitely defend our freedom no matter how long it takes,\" said Elene Khostaria, leader of the opposition Droa Party.<\/p>\n<p>\"We will protest and we will win,\" she said.<\/p>\n<p>Support for EU membership among Georgia\u2019s 3.7 million citizens is as high as 81%, according to a 2022 poll by the National Democratic Institute.<\/p>\n<p>But supporters of the bill, proposed by the ruling Georgian Dream party, say it is necessary to ensure transparency and national sovereignty.<\/p>\n<p>President Salome Zourabichvili took to social media to criticise the police response to Tuesday night's demonstrations, which saw some protesters beaten and at least 63 arrested.<\/p>\n<p>She described the police violence as \"totally unwarranted, unprovoked and out of proportion\".<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-tweet widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio\u2014auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <div class=\"widget__tweet\" data-tweet-id=\"1785413045553963335\"><\/div>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Zourabichvili has vowed to veto the bill but the ruling party can override that by collecting 76 votes.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1714593985,"updatedAt":1714722995,"publishedAt":1714623174,"firstPublishedAt":1714623177,"lastPublishedAt":1714722995,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Zurab Tsertsvadze\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved","altText":"A demonstrator gestures while arguing with the police during a protest against the 'Russian law' near the Parliament building in Tbilisi, May 1, 2024","callToActionText":null,"width":5184,"caption":"A demonstrator gestures while arguing with the police during a protest against the 'Russian law' near the Parliament building in Tbilisi, May 1, 2024","url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/41\/07\/30\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_61d76264-a918-593d-9d3c-bf82caf5df3d-8410730.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":3456}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"urlSafeValue":"georgia","titleRaw":"Georgia","id":124,"title":"Georgia","slug":"georgia"},{"urlSafeValue":"tbilisi","titleRaw":"Tbilisi","id":4055,"title":"Tbilisi","slug":"tbilisi"},{"urlSafeValue":"eu-membership","titleRaw":"EU membership","id":29362,"title":"EU membership","slug":"eu-membership"},{"urlSafeValue":"ursula-von-der-leyen","titleRaw":"Ursula von der 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freedom","slug":"press-freedom"}],"widgets":[{"count":2,"slug":"twitter"}],"related":[{"id":2532390},{"id":2531586},{"id":2533988}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"mMby3MghQjI","dailymotionId":"x8xsmmu"},"video":1,"videos":[{"duration":109200,"editor":"","filesizeBytes":14138699,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/E3\/SU\/24\/05\/02\/en\/240502_E3SU_55439826_55439866_109200_001316_en.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"md"},{"duration":109200,"editor":"","filesizeBytes":20980555,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/E3\/SU\/24\/05\/02\/en\/240502_E3SU_55439826_55439866_109200_001316_en.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"hd"}],"liveStream":[{"endDate":0,"startDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"AP","additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"Euronews","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"europe-news","urlSafeValue":"europe-news","title":"Europe 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CONDEMNS GEORGIA","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Von der Leyen condemns police violence against protesters in Georgia","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Von der Leyen condemns police violence against protesters in Georgia","titleListing2":"Von der Leyen condemns police violence against protesters in Georgia","leadin":"EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said that Georgia is at a crossroads, as the country grapples with protests against government plans to introduce a foreign influence law which critics fear could be used to stifle the press.","summary":"EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said that Georgia is at a crossroads, as the country grapples with protests against government plans to introduce a foreign influence law which critics fear could be used to stifle the press.","keySentence":"","url":"unacceptable-eu-foreign-policy-chief-condemns-police-violence-against-protestors-in-georgi","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/news\/2024\/05\/01\/unacceptable-eu-foreign-policy-chief-condemns-police-violence-against-protestors-in-georgi","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has joined the bloc's foreign policy chief in condemning police violence in Georgia. \n\nWriting on X, formerly Twitter, von der Leyen said: \"I am following the situation in Georgia with great concern and condemn the violence on the streets of Tbilisi. \n\n\"The Georgian people want a European future for their country.\u00a0Georgia is at a crossroads. It should stay the course on the road to Europe.\" \n\nGeorgia has been rocked by anti-government protests against a new foreign influence law, which critics fear could be used to limit press freedoms. \n\nThe European Union's\u00a0High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell has also strongly condemned the violence. \n\nThousands of people took to the streets of the Georgian capital Tbilisi on Tuesday, as the country's parliament debated the second reading of a highly controversial foreign influence law. \n\nRiot police forcibly dispersed the crowds adorned with Georgian and EU flags using rubber bullets, tear gas, stun grenades and water cannons.\u00a0 \n\nSeveral protesters were arrested and beaten, including leading opposition politician Levan Khabeishvili, who posted a photo of himself on X showing severe facial injuries.\u00a0 \n\n\"I strongly condemn the violence against protesters,\" said Borrell. \"I call on [Georgian] authorities to ensure the right to peaceful assembly.\" \n\nUsing force to \"suppress\" protesters is \"unacceptable\", he added.\u00a0 \n\nDubbed the \"Russian law\", the draft legislation requires media and non-commercial organisations to register as being under foreign influence if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad. \n\nCritics fear it could be used to stifle the press and non-governmental organisations. \n\nSimilar legislation adopted in Russia was used to help silence voices and groups critical of the Kremlin. \n\nSupporters of the bill say it is necessary to ensure Georgia's national sovereignty.\u00a0 \n\nGeorgia's President Salome Zourabichvili took to social media to criticise the police response to Tuesday night's demonstrations. \n\nShe described the police violence as \"totally unwarranted, unprovoked and out of proportion\". \n\nZourabichvili has vowed to veto the bill if approved by parliament.\u00a0 \n\nBorrell has previously warned the legislation, if adopted, could scupper the small country in the\u00a0South Caucasus' bid to enter the EU.\u00a0 \n\nGeorgia has long wanted to join the bloc. In\u00a0November 2023, the European Commission issued an official recommendation to grant candidate status to Georgia, though it still has a long road ahead to accession.\u00a0 \n\nSupport for EU membership among Georgia\u2019s 3.7 million citizens is as high as 81%, according to a 2022 poll by the National Democratic Institute. \n\n","htmlText":"<p>EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has joined the bloc's foreign policy chief in condemning police violence in Georgia.<\/p>\n<p>Writing on X, formerly Twitter, von der Leyen said: \"I am following the situation in Georgia with great concern and condemn the violence on the streets of Tbilisi.<\/p>\n<p>\"The Georgian people want a European future for their country.\u00a0Georgia is at a crossroads. It should stay the course on the road to Europe.\"<\/p>\n<p>Georgia has been rocked by anti-government protests against a new foreign influence law, which critics fear could be used to limit press freedoms.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-tweet widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio\u2014auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <div class=\"widget__tweet\" data-tweet-id=\"1785739799401218537\"><\/div>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The European Union's\u00a0High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell has also strongly condemned the violence.<\/p>\n<p>Thousands of people took to the streets of the Georgian capital Tbilisi on Tuesday, as the country's parliament debated the second reading of a highly controversial foreign influence law.<\/p>\n<p>Riot police forcibly dispersed the crowds adorned with Georgian and EU flags using rubber bullets, tear gas, stun grenades and water cannons.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6669921875\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//08//40//99//84//808x539_cmsv2_b192ff07-b3f1-5828-a6ab-8c56ab9be8c4-8409984.jpg/" alt=\"Demonstrators wave Georgian national flag during an opposition protest against "the Russian law" near the Parliament building in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/40\/99\/84\/384x256_cmsv2_b192ff07-b3f1-5828-a6ab-8c56ab9be8c4-8409984.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/40\/99\/84\/640x427_cmsv2_b192ff07-b3f1-5828-a6ab-8c56ab9be8c4-8409984.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/40\/99\/84\/750x500_cmsv2_b192ff07-b3f1-5828-a6ab-8c56ab9be8c4-8409984.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/40\/99\/84\/828x552_cmsv2_b192ff07-b3f1-5828-a6ab-8c56ab9be8c4-8409984.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/40\/99\/84\/1080x720_cmsv2_b192ff07-b3f1-5828-a6ab-8c56ab9be8c4-8409984.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/40\/99\/84\/1200x800_cmsv2_b192ff07-b3f1-5828-a6ab-8c56ab9be8c4-8409984.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/40\/99\/84\/1920x1281_cmsv2_b192ff07-b3f1-5828-a6ab-8c56ab9be8c4-8409984.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Demonstrators wave Georgian national flag during an opposition protest against "the Russian law" near the Parliament building in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Associated Press<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Several protesters were arrested and beaten, including leading opposition politician Levan Khabeishvili, who posted a photo of himself on X showing severe facial injuries.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\"I strongly condemn the violence against protesters,\" said Borrell. \"I call on [Georgian] authorities to ensure the right to peaceful assembly.\"<\/p>\n<p>Using force to \"suppress\" protesters is \"unacceptable\", he added.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-tweet widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio\u2014auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <div class=\"widget__tweet\" data-tweet-id=\"1785587562674798752\"><\/div>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Dubbed the \"Russian law\", the draft legislation requires media and non-commercial organisations to register as being under foreign influence if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad.<\/p>\n<p>Critics fear it could be used to stifle the press and non-governmental organisations.<\/p>\n<p>Similar legislation adopted in Russia was used to help silence voices and groups critical of the Kremlin.<\/p>\n<p>Supporters of the bill say it is necessary to ensure Georgia's national sovereignty.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Georgia's President Salome Zourabichvili took to social media to criticise the police response to Tuesday night's demonstrations.<\/p>\n<p>She described the police violence as \"totally unwarranted, unprovoked and out of proportion\".<\/p>\n<p>Zourabichvili has vowed to veto the bill if approved by parliament.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-tweet widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio\u2014auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <div class=\"widget__tweet\" data-tweet-id=\"1785413045553963335\"><\/div>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Borrell has previously warned the legislation, if adopted, could scupper the small country in the\u00a0South Caucasus' bid to enter the EU.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Georgia has long wanted to join the bloc. In\u00a0November 2023, the European Commission issued an official recommendation to grant candidate status to Georgia, though it still has a long road ahead to accession.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Support for EU membership among Georgia\u2019s 3.7 million citizens is as high as 81%, according to a 2022 poll by the National Democratic Institute.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1714569533,"updatedAt":1714590761,"publishedAt":1714574093,"firstPublishedAt":1714574105,"lastPublishedAt":1714590761,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Associated Press","altText":"President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen talks during a session at the European Parliament, Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in Strasbourg, eastern France.","callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"caption":"President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen talks during a session at the European Parliament, Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in Strasbourg, eastern France.","url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/40\/99\/84\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_116dd03e-4a24-53d7-9172-f392d6188937-8409984.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":683},{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Associated Press","altText":"Demonstrators wave Georgian national flag during an opposition protest against \"the Russian law\" near the Parliament building in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.","callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"caption":"Demonstrators wave Georgian national flag during an opposition protest against \"the Russian law\" near the Parliament building in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.","url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/40\/99\/84\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_b192ff07-b3f1-5828-a6ab-8c56ab9be8c4-8409984.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":683},{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Zurab Tsertsvadze\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved","altText":"A demonstrator gestures trying to stop riot police during an opposition protest against \"the Russian law\" (AP Photo\/Zurab Tsertsvadze)","callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"caption":"A demonstrator gestures trying to stop riot police during an opposition protest against \"the Russian law\" (AP Photo\/Zurab Tsertsvadze)","url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/40\/99\/84\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_fa7252e3-7852-57ed-9ce7-6879cee1737a-8409984.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":683}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"urlSafeValue":"georgia-politics","titleRaw":"Georgia politics","id":10597,"title":"Georgia politics","slug":"georgia-politics"},{"urlSafeValue":"interior-politics","titleRaw":"interior politics","id":19576,"title":"interior politics","slug":"interior-politics"},{"urlSafeValue":"police-violence","titleRaw":"Police violence","id":9551,"title":"Police 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News"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":104,"urlSafeValue":"europe","title":"Europe"},"country":{"id":124,"urlSafeValue":"georgia","title":"Georgia","url":"\/news\/europe\/georgia"},"town":{"id":4055,"urlSafeValue":"tbilisi","title":"Tbilisi"},"grapeshot":"'gs_politics','gs_politics_issues_policy','gb_crime_high','gb_crime_high_med','gb_crime_high_med_low','gb_crime_serious','gv_crime','gs_politics_misc','gs_law_misc','gs_law','gb_death_injury_high_med','gb_death_injury_high_med_low','gb_death_injury_news-ent','gv_death_injury','eu_brussels_politics_hun'","versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"path":"\/my-europe\/2024\/05\/01\/unacceptable-eu-foreign-policy-chief-condemns-police-violence-against-protestors-in-georgi","lastModified":1714590761},{"id":2533154,"cid":8408766,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":"240501_E3SU_55431673","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"GEORGIA ANTI-RUSSIA LAW","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Police beat and arrest Tbilisi protesters as parliament debates controversial transparency law","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Police crack down on Georgia rally against 'Russian law'","titleListing2":"Police beat and arrest Tbilisi protesters as parliament debates controversial transparency law","leadin":"Critics of the so-called 'Russian law' say it undermines democracy and could derail the country\u2019s chances of joining the European Union.","summary":"Critics of the so-called 'Russian law' say it undermines democracy and could derail the country\u2019s chances of joining the European Union.","keySentence":"","url":"police-beat-and-arrest-tbilisi-protesters-as-parliament-debates-controversial-transparency","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/my-europe\/2024\/05\/01\/police-beat-and-arrest-tbilisi-protesters-as-parliament-debates-controversial-transparency","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Thousands of people have been out on the streets of the Georgian capital Tbilisi as the country's parliament debated the second reading of a highly controversial transparency law. \n\nWith public antipathy toward the so-called \"Russian law\" running high, police were sent to forcibly disperse the demonstrators. Tear gas and stun grenades were used against the crowd, while several protesters were arrested and beaten \u2013 among them leading opposition politician Levan Khabeishvili, who was shown on TV with serious facial injuries.\u00a0 \n\nThe divisive \"Russian law\" requires media and non-commercial organisations to register as being under foreign influence if they receive more than 20 per cent of their funding from abroad. \n\nCritics say the bill, which closely resembles legislation in effect in Russia, undermines democracy and could derail the country\u2019s chances of joining the European Union. \n\n\"We do not want the Soviet regime that our parents have experienced,\" said protester Kato Salukvadze. \"I think that everyone should be in the streets and say no to the Russian law and yes to Europe.\" \n\nGeorgia has been a candidate country for the European Union since 2023 and support for joining the bloc among Georgia\u2019s four million citizens is as high as 81%, according to a 2022 poll by the National Democratic Institute. \n\nBut supporters of the bill \u2013 proposed by the ruling Georgian Dream party \u2013 say ensuring transparency is crucial in the fight to maintain national sovereignty. \n\n\"I promise you that we will overcome all adversity, strengthen our sovereignty, maintain peace, boost Georgian economy and become part of the EU in 2030,\" said Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder and honorary chair of Georgian Dream, speaking at a rally on Monday. \n\nDemonstrations have been ongoing in Georgia for weeks since the ruling party introduced the law in parliament, with scenes reminiscent of the public reaction\u00a0when an almost identical bill was brought and then abandoned in 2023. \n\nAmong the law's top critics is Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, who says she will veto the law if it is passed by parliament. However, the ruling party can override that veto if it can gather 76 votes to pass it. \n\n","htmlText":"<p>Thousands of people have been out on the streets of the Georgian capital Tbilisi as the country's parliament debated the second reading of a highly controversial transparency law.<\/p>\n<p>With public antipathy toward the so-called \"Russian law\" running high, police were sent to forcibly disperse the demonstrators. Tear gas and stun grenades were used against the crowd, while several protesters were arrested and beaten \u2013 among them leading opposition politician Levan Khabeishvili, who was shown on TV with serious facial injuries.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The divisive \"Russian law\" requires media and non-commercial organisations to register as being under foreign influence if they receive more than 20 per cent of their funding from abroad.<\/p>\n<p>Critics say the bill, which closely resembles legislation in effect in Russia, undermines democracy and could derail the country\u2019s chances of joining the European Union.<\/p>\n<p>\"We do not want the Soviet regime that our parents have experienced,\" said protester Kato Salukvadze. \"I think that everyone should be in the streets and say no to the Russian law and yes to Europe.\"<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6666666666666666\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//08//40//87//66//808x539_cmsv2_72f9db60-d820-5554-8d01-486f36496ac9-8408766.jpg/" alt=\"Riot police block opposition protesters gathered to protest against 'the Russian law' in Tbilisi, April 30, 2024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/40\/87\/66\/384x256_cmsv2_72f9db60-d820-5554-8d01-486f36496ac9-8408766.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/40\/87\/66\/640x427_cmsv2_72f9db60-d820-5554-8d01-486f36496ac9-8408766.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/40\/87\/66\/750x500_cmsv2_72f9db60-d820-5554-8d01-486f36496ac9-8408766.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/40\/87\/66\/828x552_cmsv2_72f9db60-d820-5554-8d01-486f36496ac9-8408766.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/40\/87\/66\/1080x720_cmsv2_72f9db60-d820-5554-8d01-486f36496ac9-8408766.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/40\/87\/66\/1200x800_cmsv2_72f9db60-d820-5554-8d01-486f36496ac9-8408766.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/40\/87\/66\/1920x1280_cmsv2_72f9db60-d820-5554-8d01-486f36496ac9-8408766.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Riot police block opposition protesters gathered to protest against 'the Russian law' in Tbilisi, April 30, 2024<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Zurab Tsertsvadze\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Georgia has been a candidate country for the European Union since 2023 and support for joining the bloc among Georgia\u2019s four million citizens is as high as 81%, according to a 2022 poll by the National Democratic Institute.<\/p>\n<p>But supporters of the bill \u2013 proposed by the ruling Georgian Dream party \u2013 say ensuring transparency is crucial in the fight to maintain national sovereignty.<\/p>\n<p>\"I promise you that we will overcome all adversity, strengthen our sovereignty, maintain peace, boost Georgian economy and become part of the EU in 2030,\" said Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder and honorary chair of Georgian Dream, speaking at a rally on Monday.<\/p>\n<p>Demonstrations have been ongoing in Georgia for weeks since the ruling party introduced the law in parliament, with scenes reminiscent of the public reaction\u00a0when an almost identical bill was brought and then abandoned in 2023.<\/p>\n<p>Among the law's top critics is Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, who says she will veto the law if it is passed by parliament. However, the ruling party can override that veto if it can gather 76 votes to pass it.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1714506586,"updatedAt":1714550584,"publishedAt":1714549378,"firstPublishedAt":1714549382,"lastPublishedAt":1714549382,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/40\/87\/66\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_594be32e-a72e-566c-8c36-805369d05a10-8408766.jpg","altText":"A demonstrator stands between opposition protesters who gather to protest against 'the Russian law' in Tbilisi, April 30, 2024","caption":"A demonstrator stands between opposition protesters who gather to protest against 'the Russian law' in Tbilisi, April 30, 2024","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Zurab Tsertsvadze\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":4666,"height":3111},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/40\/87\/66\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_72f9db60-d820-5554-8d01-486f36496ac9-8408766.jpg","altText":"Riot police block opposition protesters gathered to protest against 'the Russian law' in Tbilisi, April 30, 2024","caption":"Riot police block opposition protesters gathered to protest against 'the Russian law' in Tbilisi, April 30, 2024","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Zurab Tsertsvadze\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":4914,"height":3276}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":124,"slug":"georgia","urlSafeValue":"georgia","title":"Georgia","titleRaw":"Georgia"},{"id":4055,"slug":"tbilisi","urlSafeValue":"tbilisi","title":"Tbilisi","titleRaw":"Tbilisi"},{"id":239,"slug":"russia","urlSafeValue":"russia","title":"Russia","titleRaw":"Russia"},{"id":10093,"slug":"soviet-union","urlSafeValue":"soviet-union","title":"Soviet Union","titleRaw":"Soviet Union"},{"id":105,"slug":"european-union","urlSafeValue":"european-union","title":"European Union","titleRaw":"European Union"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":1}],"related":[{"id":2532390},{"id":2525058},{"id":2436676}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"tnEyuWo2itg","dailymotionId":"x8xqjzm"},"video":1,"videos":[{"duration":65000,"editor":"","filesizeBytes":8440147,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/E3\/SU\/24\/05\/01\/en\/240501_E3SU_55431673_55433715_65000_085159_en.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"md"},{"duration":65000,"editor":"","filesizeBytes":13071699,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/E3\/SU\/24\/05\/01\/en\/240501_E3SU_55431673_55433715_65000_085159_en.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"hd"}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"AP","additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"Euronews","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"europe-news","urlSafeValue":"europe-news","title":"Europe News","online":1,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/my-europe\/europe-news\/europe-news"},"vertical":"my-europe","verticals":[{"id":2,"slug":"my-europe","urlSafeValue":"my-europe","title":"My Europe"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":2,"slug":"my-europe","urlSafeValue":"my-europe","title":"My Europe"},"themes":[{"id":"europe-news","urlSafeValue":"europe-news","title":"Europe News","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/my-europe\/europe-news"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":56,"urlSafeValue":"europe-news","title":"Europe News"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":104,"urlSafeValue":"europe","title":"Europe"},"country":{"id":124,"urlSafeValue":"georgia","title":"Georgia","url":"\/news\/europe\/georgia"},"town":{"id":4055,"urlSafeValue":"tbilisi","title":"Tbilisi"},"grapeshot":"'gv_safe','gt_negative','gb_safe','gb_safe_from_high','gb_safe_from_high_med','gs_politics','gs_politics_issues_policy','gs_politics_misc','gt_negative_anger'","versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"path":"\/my-europe\/2024\/05\/01\/police-beat-and-arrest-tbilisi-protesters-as-parliament-debates-controversial-transparency","lastModified":1714549382},{"id":2532390,"cid":8406340,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":"240430_E3SU_55421792","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"GEORGIA PR-GOVT RALLY","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Thousands rally in Georgia in support of 'Russian' foreign influence law","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Thousands rally in Georgia in support of foreign influence law","titleListing2":"Thousands rally in Georgia in support of 'Russian' foreign influence law","leadin":"Top EU diplomat Josep Borrell has warned that if the bill is passed it \u201cwould negatively impact Georgia\u2019s progress on its EU path.\"","summary":"Top EU diplomat Josep Borrell has warned that if the bill is passed it \u201cwould negatively impact Georgia\u2019s progress on its EU path.\"","keySentence":"","url":"thousands-rally-in-georgia-in-support-of-russian-foreign-influence-law","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/my-europe\/2024\/04\/30\/thousands-rally-in-georgia-in-support-of-russian-foreign-influence-law","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Thousands of people have attended a pro-government rally in the Georgian capital Tbilisi in support of a controversial foreign influence law. \n\nThe divisive draft law requires media and non-commercial organisations to register as being under foreign influence if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad. \n\nCritics say it could undermine democracy and derail the country\u2019s chances of joining the European Union. Similar legislation in Russia was used to suppress voices and groups critical of the Kremlin.\u00a0 \n\nSupporters of the bill - proposed by the ruling Georgian Dream party - say ensuring transparency is crucial in the fight to maintain national sovereignty, however.\u00a0 \n\n\"I promise you that we will overcome all adversity, strengthen our sovereignty, maintain peace, boost Georgian economy and become part of the EU in 2030,\" said Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder and honorary chair of Georgian Dream.\u00a0 \n\nSpeaking at the rally, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said the European Union must open accession negotiations with Georgia at the end of the year. \n\n\"We call on the EU to show due respect towards Georgian society, unlike in June of 2022, to restore justice and open accession negotiations this year,\" he said. \n\nIn an online statement earlier this month, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell described the parliament\u2019s move as \"a very concerning development\".\u00a0 \n\nHe warned that \"the final adoption of this legislation would negatively impact Georgia\u2019s progress on its EU path.\" \n\nThe draft law is identical to a bill proposed in 2023, which the government was forced to withdraw in the face of mass protests. \n\nAlthough Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili said she would veto the law if it is passed by parliament, the ruling party can override the veto by collecting 76 votes.\u00a0 \n\nThen the parliament speaker can sign it into law. \n\nSupport for joining the EU among Georgia\u2019s some four million citizens is as high as 81%, according to a 2022 poll by the National Democratic Institute. \n\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Thousands of people have attended a pro-government rally in the Georgian capital Tbilisi in support of a controversial foreign influence law.<\/p>\n<p>The divisive draft law requires media and non-commercial organisations to register as being under foreign influence if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad.<\/p>\n<p>Critics say it could undermine democracy and derail the country\u2019s chances of joining the European Union. Similar legislation in Russia was used to suppress voices and groups critical of the Kremlin.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Supporters of the bill - proposed by the ruling Georgian Dream party - say ensuring transparency is crucial in the fight to maintain national sovereignty, however.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\"I promise you that we will overcome all adversity, strengthen our sovereignty, maintain peace, boost Georgian economy and become part of the EU in 2030,\" said Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder and honorary chair of Georgian Dream.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6668848167539267\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//08//40//63//40//808x539_cmsv2_dec74520-2291-5b4e-b269-6272ceebfeec-8406340.jpg/" alt=\"Georgians listening to Bidzina Ivanishvili, founder of the Georgian Dream party, during a rally in Tbilisi, April 29, 2024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/40\/63\/40\/384x256_cmsv2_dec74520-2291-5b4e-b269-6272ceebfeec-8406340.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/40\/63\/40\/640x427_cmsv2_dec74520-2291-5b4e-b269-6272ceebfeec-8406340.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/40\/63\/40\/750x500_cmsv2_dec74520-2291-5b4e-b269-6272ceebfeec-8406340.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/40\/63\/40\/828x552_cmsv2_dec74520-2291-5b4e-b269-6272ceebfeec-8406340.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/40\/63\/40\/1080x720_cmsv2_dec74520-2291-5b4e-b269-6272ceebfeec-8406340.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/40\/63\/40\/1200x800_cmsv2_dec74520-2291-5b4e-b269-6272ceebfeec-8406340.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/40\/63\/40\/1920x1280_cmsv2_dec74520-2291-5b4e-b269-6272ceebfeec-8406340.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Georgians listening to Bidzina Ivanishvili, founder of the Georgian Dream party, during a rally in Tbilisi, April 29, 2024<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Shakh Aivazov\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Speaking at the rally, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said the European Union must open accession negotiations with Georgia at the end of the year.<\/p>\n<p>\"We call on the EU to show due respect towards Georgian society, unlike in June of 2022, to restore justice and open accession negotiations this year,\" he said.<\/p>\n<p>In an online statement earlier this month, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell described the parliament\u2019s move as \"a very concerning development\".\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>He warned that \"the final adoption of this legislation would negatively impact Georgia\u2019s progress on its EU path.\"<\/p>\n<p>The draft law is identical to a bill proposed in 2023, which the government was forced to withdraw in the face of mass protests.<\/p>\n<p>Although Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili said she would veto the law if it is passed by parliament, the ruling party can override the veto by collecting 76 votes.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Then the parliament speaker can sign it into law.<\/p>\n<p>Support for joining the EU among Georgia\u2019s some four million citizens is as high as 81%, according to a 2022 poll by the National Democratic Institute.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1714420363,"updatedAt":1714469044,"publishedAt":1714468640,"firstPublishedAt":1714468645,"lastPublishedAt":1714468645,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/40\/63\/40\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_13a842da-f8da-5ed8-87ef-65a56dd57f18-8406340.jpg","altText":"Pro-government demonstrators with Georgian national flags attend a rally in support of \"Russian law\" in Tbilisi, April 29, 2024","caption":"Pro-government demonstrators with Georgian national flags attend a rally in support of \"Russian law\" in Tbilisi, April 29, 2024","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Shakh Aivazov\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":3714,"height":2477},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/40\/63\/40\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_dec74520-2291-5b4e-b269-6272ceebfeec-8406340.jpg","altText":"Georgians listening to Bidzina Ivanishvili, founder of the Georgian Dream party, during a rally in Tbilisi, April 29, 2024","caption":"Georgians listening to Bidzina Ivanishvili, founder of the Georgian Dream party, during a rally in Tbilisi, April 29, 2024","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Shakh Aivazov\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":4584,"height":3057},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/40\/63\/52\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_da58a781-abbd-5601-a5b5-7c2c980bc1ae-8406352.jpg","altText":null,"caption":null,"captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":3000,"height":2000}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":124,"slug":"georgia","urlSafeValue":"georgia","title":"Georgia","titleRaw":"Georgia"},{"id":10597,"slug":"georgia-politics","urlSafeValue":"georgia-politics","title":"Georgia politics","titleRaw":"Georgia politics"},{"id":12028,"slug":"demonstration","urlSafeValue":"demonstration","title":"Demonstration","titleRaw":"Demonstration"},{"id":12952,"slug":"clashes","urlSafeValue":"clashes","title":"Clashes","titleRaw":"Clashes"},{"id":12689,"slug":"parliament","urlSafeValue":"parliament","title":"Parliament","titleRaw":"Parliament"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":1}],"related":[{"id":2531586},{"id":2525058},{"id":2523564}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"vZD79dngrBM","dailymotionId":"x8xox1a"},"video":1,"videos":[{"duration":95000,"editor":"","filesizeBytes":12438192,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/E3\/SU\/24\/04\/30\/en\/240430_E3SU_55421792_55421815_95000_044754_en.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"md"},{"duration":95000,"editor":"","filesizeBytes":19121328,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/E3\/SU\/24\/04\/30\/en\/240430_E3SU_55421792_55421815_95000_044754_en.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"hd"}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"AP","additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"Euronews","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"europe-news","urlSafeValue":"europe-news","title":"Europe 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News"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":104,"urlSafeValue":"europe","title":"Europe"},"country":{"id":124,"urlSafeValue":"georgia","title":"Georgia","url":"\/news\/europe\/georgia"},"town":[],"grapeshot":"'gv_safe','gb_safe','gb_safe_from_high','gb_safe_from_high_med','gs_politics','gs_politics_misc','gs_politics_issues_policy','gs_politics_greek','gs_food','gs_food_drink','gt_negative','gs_genres'","versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"path":"\/my-europe\/2024\/04\/30\/thousands-rally-in-georgia-in-support-of-russian-foreign-influence-law","lastModified":1714468645},{"id":2531586,"cid":8403878,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":"240429_NWSU_55412646","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"PKG GEORGIA PROTESTS","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Thousands protest in Georgia against controversial foreign influence law","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Georgians protest against what they call 'the Russian law\u2019","titleListing2":"Thousands protest in Georgia against controversial foreign influence transparency law","leadin":"Georgia\u2019s President Salome Zourabichvili has said she would veto the law if it is passed by parliament but the ruling party can override the veto by collecting 76 votes.","summary":"Georgia\u2019s President Salome Zourabichvili has said she would veto the law if it is passed by parliament but the ruling party can override the veto by collecting 76 votes.","keySentence":"","url":"thousands-protest-in-georgia-against-controversial-foreign-influence-law","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2024\/04\/29\/thousands-protest-in-georgia-against-controversial-foreign-influence-law","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Thousands of people in Georgia have again taken to the streets of the capital Tbilisi to protest against the controversial foreign influence transparency law. \n\nThe divisive draft law requires media and non-commercial organisations to register as being under the foreign influence if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad. \n\nCritics have dubbed it 'the Russian law', because Moscow uses similar legislation to stigmatise media and organisations seen as being at odds with the Kremlin. \n\nMany protesters fear the proposed legislation would undermine democracy and derail the country\u2019s chances of joining the European Union. \n\n\"I think that now we have the most important and crucial fight. Either we save our country and maintain our European path, or we lose our homeland,\" said protester Ana Subeliani, \"But this energy and faith, the number of youngsters here, gives me hope that we will have victory at the end\". \n\nBut despite fierce public opposition, the ruling Georgian Dream party appears determined to press ahead with the law. \n\n\"They can not even name one argument why this law is Russian or bad. At least they say that they dislike the name,\" said leader of the parliamentary majority Mamuka Mdinaradze. \n\nIn an online statement earlier this month, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell described the parliament\u2019s move as \"a very concerning development\" and warned that \"the final adoption of this legislation would negatively impact Georgia\u2019s progress on its EU path\". \n\nAlthough Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili said she would veto the law if it is passed by parliament, the ruling party can override the veto by collecting 76 votes. Then the parliament speaker can sign it into law. \n\nFurther protests, both in support of and against the law, are planned to take place in Tbilisi on Monday. \n\n","htmlText":"<p>Thousands of people in Georgia have again taken to the streets of the capital Tbilisi to protest against the controversial foreign influence transparency law.<\/p>\n<p>The divisive draft law requires media and non-commercial organisations to register as being under the foreign influence if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad.<\/p>\n<p>Critics have dubbed it 'the Russian law', because Moscow uses similar legislation to stigmatise media and organisations seen as being at odds with the Kremlin.<\/p>\n<p>Many protesters fear the proposed legislation would undermine democracy and derail the country\u2019s chances of joining the European Union.<\/p>\n<p>\"I think that now we have the most important and crucial fight. Either we save our country and maintain our European path, or we lose our homeland,\" said protester Ana Subeliani, \"But this energy and faith, the number of youngsters here, gives me hope that we will have victory at the end\".<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6666666666666666\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//08//37//80//62//808x539_cmsv2_f30510a9-a1dc-5024-9c2b-177923206869-8378062.jpg/" alt=\"Police officers block protestors as they gather outside the parliament building in Tbilisi on April 16, 2024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/37\/80\/62\/384x256_cmsv2_f30510a9-a1dc-5024-9c2b-177923206869-8378062.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/37\/80\/62\/640x427_cmsv2_f30510a9-a1dc-5024-9c2b-177923206869-8378062.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/37\/80\/62\/750x500_cmsv2_f30510a9-a1dc-5024-9c2b-177923206869-8378062.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/37\/80\/62\/828x552_cmsv2_f30510a9-a1dc-5024-9c2b-177923206869-8378062.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/37\/80\/62\/1080x720_cmsv2_f30510a9-a1dc-5024-9c2b-177923206869-8378062.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/37\/80\/62\/1200x800_cmsv2_f30510a9-a1dc-5024-9c2b-177923206869-8378062.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/37\/80\/62\/1920x1280_cmsv2_f30510a9-a1dc-5024-9c2b-177923206869-8378062.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Police officers block protestors as they gather outside the parliament building in Tbilisi on April 16, 2024<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Zurab Tsertsvadze\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>But despite fierce public opposition, the ruling Georgian Dream party appears determined to press ahead with the law.<\/p>\n<p>\"They can not even name one argument why this law is Russian or bad. At least they say that they dislike the name,\" said leader of the parliamentary majority Mamuka Mdinaradze.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"8379504\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//my-europe//2024//04//17//dont-do-it-eu-urges-georgia-not-to-pass-foreign-influence-law/">EU urges Georgia not to pass 'foreign influence' law<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>In an online statement earlier this month, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell described the parliament\u2019s move as \"a very concerning development\" and warned that \"the final adoption of this legislation would negatively impact Georgia\u2019s progress on its EU path\".<\/p>\n<p>Although Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili said she would veto the law if it is passed by parliament, the ruling party can override the veto by collecting 76 votes. Then the parliament speaker can sign it into law.<\/p>\n<p>Further protests, both in support of and against the law, are planned to take place in Tbilisi on Monday.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1714342320,"updatedAt":1714370945,"publishedAt":1714370514,"firstPublishedAt":1714370535,"lastPublishedAt":1714370535,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/40\/38\/78\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_ac075439-bf44-5889-a647-5bd4f0d67ef0-8403878.jpg","altText":"Demonstrators wave Georgian and EU flags as they gather outside the parliament building in Tbilisi on April 17, 2024","caption":"Demonstrators wave Georgian and EU flags as they gather outside the parliament building in Tbilisi on April 17, 2024","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Zurab Tsertsvadze\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":4666,"height":3111},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/37\/80\/62\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_f30510a9-a1dc-5024-9c2b-177923206869-8378062.jpg","altText":"Police officers block protestors as they gather outside the parliament building in Tbilisi on April 16, 2024","caption":"Police officers block protestors as they gather outside the parliament building in Tbilisi on April 16, 2024","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Zurab Tsertsvadze\/Copyright 2024 The AP. 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Similar to Russia's legislation, the bill mandates media outlets and NGOs receiving over 20% of funding from abroad to register as \"organizations pursuing foreign interests.\" Despite opposition, the draft law passed its first reading in parliament amid altercations, prompting some MPs to resign. Protesters demand the ruling party revoke the bill, citing threats to Georgia's European alignment. While mostly peaceful, some demonstrators clashed with reporters and government buildings. The Interior Ministry urges protesters to refrain from illegal actions, as tensions persist since the protest's start on Monday, resulting in detentions and injuries. \n\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Tens of thousands rallied in Georgia's capital for the third consecutive day after lawmakers advanced a controversial \"foreign influence\" law. Similar to Russia's legislation, the bill mandates media outlets and NGOs receiving over 20% of funding from abroad to register as \"organizations pursuing foreign interests.\" Despite opposition, the draft law passed its first reading in parliament amid altercations, prompting some MPs to resign. Protesters demand the ruling party revoke the bill, citing threats to Georgia's European alignment. While mostly peaceful, some demonstrators clashed with reporters and government buildings. The Interior Ministry urges protesters to refrain from illegal actions, as tensions persist since the protest's start on Monday, resulting in detentions and injuries.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1713453548,"updatedAt":1713457822,"publishedAt":1713457306,"firstPublishedAt":1713457332,"lastPublishedAt":1713457481,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Zurab Tsertsvadze\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved","altText":"Demonstrators at rally outside the parliament building in Tbilisi","callToActionText":null,"width":4549,"caption":"Demonstrators at rally outside the parliament building in Tbilisi","url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/26\/34\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_8c52c25a-a98b-5e03-a64e-8cedafe7a4ab-8382634.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":3033}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"urlSafeValue":"caraco","twitter":null,"title":"Alexis Caraco"}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[{"urlSafeValue":"caraco","twitter":null,"title":"Alexis Caraco"}]},"keywords":[{"urlSafeValue":"media-law","titleRaw":"Media Law","id":12146,"title":"Media Law","slug":"media-law"},{"urlSafeValue":"press-freedom","titleRaw":"Press freedom","id":8089,"title":"Press freedom","slug":"press-freedom"},{"urlSafeValue":"georgia","titleRaw":"Georgia","id":124,"title":"Georgia","slug":"georgia"}],"widgets":[],"related":[{"id":2522614},{"id":2521958},{"id":2525058}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"gvsXLCxBDog","dailymotionId":"x8x0nk6"},"video":1,"videos":[{"duration":120000,"editor":"","filesizeBytes":15847411,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/NC\/SU\/24\/04\/18\/en\/240418_NCSU_55332759_55332939_120000_174343_en.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"md"},{"duration":120000,"editor":"","filesizeBytes":24283635,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/NC\/SU\/24\/04\/18\/en\/240418_NCSU_55332759_55332939_120000_174343_en.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"hd"}],"liveStream":[{"endDate":0,"startDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"nocomment","urlSafeValue":"nocomment","title":"no comment","online":1,"url":"\/nocomment"},"vertical":"news","verticals":[{"urlSafeValue":"news","id":1,"title":"News","slug":"news"},{"urlSafeValue":"my-europe","id":2,"title":"My Europe","slug":"my-europe"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"urlSafeValue":"news","id":"news","title":"World","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/news\/international"},{"urlSafeValue":"europe-news","id":"europe-news","title":"Europe News","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":104,"urlSafeValue":"europe","title":"Europe"},"country":{"id":124,"urlSafeValue":"georgia","title":"Georgia","url":"\/news\/europe\/georgia"},"town":{"id":4055,"urlSafeValue":"tbilisi","title":"Tbilisi"},"grapeshot":"'gb_safe_from_high','gb_safe_from_high_med','pos_equinor','pos_facebook','pos_pmi','pos_ukraine-russia','gs_law','neg_saudiaramco','gs_politics','gt_negative','neg_facebook_q4','neg_mobkoi_castrol','gs_law_misc','gs_politics_issues_policy','gs_politics_misc','neg_citi_campaign','gs_science','gs_science_geography','shadow9hu7_pos_ukrainecrisis','gv_death_injury','gb_death_injury_edu','gb_death_injury_high_med_low'","versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"path":"\/video\/2024\/04\/18\/georgia-protests-continue-into-third-day-over-controversial-foreign-influence-law","lastModified":1713457481}]"
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