In the midst of massive protests, the UN Human Rights Commissioner has called on the Georgian government to withdraw a controversial bill that has sparked tensions in the country. Despite attempts by police to suppress the demonstrations, they have continued to be a major force. In Tbilisi, protesters chanted “No to Russia” in opposition to the bill, which has been compared to a similar law in Russia that silences dissenters.
The foreign minister of Finland, Elina Valtonen, expressed concern about the clashes at the protests in Georgia and urged caution against violence against peaceful demonstrators. She emphasized that Georgians have a right to protest against laws that threaten their sovereignty and independence. The UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Turk also condemned the violence used by police against protesters and urged the Georgian government to withdraw the controversial bill.
The proposed law would require media outlets and non-governmental organizations that receive more than half of their funding from outside Georgia to register as promoters of foreign interests. Critics argue that this law is essentially a replica of Russia’s law on foreign agents. The law under discussion was passed its second reading in Parliament, with police using water cannons and tear gas to quell protesters who were demonstrating against it.
Valtonen stressed that Georgia’s progress towards EU membership must continue, and she emphasized that Georgians have every right to express their opinions peacefully. President Ursula von der Leyen echoed these sentiments, noting that Georgia is at a crossroads and should continue on its path towards Europe despite ongoing protests and international pressure surrounding the controversial bill.