On Tuesday night, at least 63 people were arrested in Tbilisi, Georgia during a massive protest against the so-called foreign agents law – of Russian inspiration. The protests lasted for nearly six hours and resulted in the injury of six police officers.
On Wednesday, security forces again used force to disperse thousands of protesters who had gathered in front of Parliament to protest the approval of the law in its second reading. The Interior Minister of Georgia stated that protesters threw heavy objects at officers, while human rights organizations accused the police of using illegitimate and disproportionate force.
The protests coincided with the parliamentary debate and vote on the Foreign Agents Law, a controversial text promoted by the Government of the Georgian Dream party. This law requires any organization receiving more than 20% of its financing from abroad to register as an “agent of the interests of a foreign power.”
Among those injured was Leván Jabeishveli, the leader of the main opposition force, United National Movement. Jabeishveli received medical attention and went to Parliament with injuries including broken bones and missing teeth. Despite government supporters rallying in favor of
