Dozens detained and injured in Georgia protest clashes

Georgia’s opposition calls fresh protests over new law after clashes

Georgian opposition and civil society groups called for new protests Wednesday against government plans to introduce controversial “foreign agent” legislation, reminiscent of Russian legislation to pressure critics.

The calls came after more than sixty of people were detained and dozens of police officers wounded in violent clashes that broke out in the capital Tbilisi late Tuesday, amid fears of democratic backsliding in Georgia.

“Starting from 3:00 pm (1100 GMT), Georgians will start to gather on Rustaveli Avenue and that will continue every day,” politician Nika Melia said.

Civil society groups called for protests outside parliament later Wednesday.

They are opposing a bill on the “transparency of foreign funding”, which critics say resembles a Russian law against “foreign agents”.

In Russia, the foreign agent label, which recalls the term “enemies of the people” of the Soviet era, has been used extensively by the authorities against political opponents, journalists and human rights activists accused of conducting foreign-funded political activities.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has defended his “balanced” Russia policy as aimed at ensuring “peace and stability”.