In Tbilisi, Georgia, protesters have been facing tear gas and plastic bullets for over two weeks in opposition to the government’s proposed law aimed at restricting civil society. The law would require NGOs and media outlets receiving more than 20 percent of their funding from abroad to register as organizations influenced by foreign interests, with hefty fines for noncompliance. The demonstrations, which have been compared to previous protests that forced the government to retract a similar bill last year, have attracted a diverse group of young people who believe the government is aligning with the Kremlin and jeopardizing their European aspirations. The protests, marked by the singing of the Georgian national anthem and the EU’s Ode to Joy, have drawn attention from international leaders, with the EU warning that Georgia is at a critical juncture and the US expressing concern over the government’s actions. The government’s refusal to engage in dialogue with the US has further fueled tensions, with accusations of foreign interference and attempts to suppress dissent. The protests, which have seen clashes with police and the use of hired thugs, reflect a deeply polarized society grappling with issues of democracy, human rights, and geopolitical influence. Amidst the turmoil, protesters remain steadfast in their opposition to what they call a “slave law” and their determination to uphold their vision of a European future for Georgia.
