Georgian police disperse protesters as parliament approves ‘foreign bill’ second reading
Georgia’s parliament approved a bill on “foreign agents” that requires organizations receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as agents of foreign influence. The bill has caused a political crisis in Georgia, leading to large protests in the country. President Zourabichvili advised protesters to focus on the upcoming election to change the government. The bill has been criticized as being inspired by Russian laws used to suppress dissent. The European Union has condemned the violence in Georgia, and the bill could affect Georgia’s integration into the EU. Police used tear gas and stun grenades to clear protesters outside parliament. The bill must pass one more vote before becoming law.