Viola von Cramon, Member of the European Parliament commented on the recent processes developing in Georgia. In her words, "Georgian Government betrayed Georgia Betrayed its constitution, its European future, its people."
"We stand with the brave people who fight for their freedoms and do not want to be part of the "Russian World".
People of Georgia, do not despair. Our doors remain open for any society that values freedom and other EU Values. You have proven it many times that you belong to Europe," EP says.
Despite the ongoing protests and opposition of a large part of society, as well as the calls of international partners, the Georgian Parliament, at its plenary session on March 7, passed a Russian-style bill “On Transparency of Foreign Influence” in the first reading by 76 votes in favor and 13 against. The bill involves registration of non-commercial legal entities and media outlets in the country as “agents of foreign influence” if they derive more than 20 percent of their income from abroad. Critics have drawn similarities to a Russian law that has severely restricted the work of civil society groups, NGOs, and media organizations there.
In response, a large-scale protest action took place outside the building of the Georgian parliament on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi on March 7. The police have used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds. Dozens of protesters were injured.
Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) of Georgia said that 66 people were detained.
Protesters threw petrol bombs and stones at police. According to MIA around 50 employees were injured, among them several required surgical intervention.
