Georgians Protest Against Controversial Foreign Agent Bill in Tbilisi

Opponents of Georgia's controversial foreign agent bill gathered in Tbilisi to express their dissent towards the legislation and the Interior Ministry's handling of previous violent protests. Thousands of participants marched from Freedom Square to the Interior Ministry, displaying banners calling to 'Serve Georgia' and carrying Georgian, EU, and US flags. The protests, free from clashes, occurred as the parliament announced plans to override President Zurabishvili's veto of the bill. The legislation aims to increase transparency on NGO funding but has sparked mass protests in Georgia, with critics viewing it as a threat to civil society and EU integration. The US also criticized the law, implementing visa restrictions on Georgian officials. US Assistant Secretary of State emphasized that Georgia must play by EU rules to progress towards membership, highlighting the need for adherence to European standards for accession negotiations.

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