Georgia Riot Police Crack Down on Anti-Government Protests – Video Report

Western politicians and diplomats condemn violence in Georgia

Western politicians and diplomats have called for a halt to escalating violence in Georgia, after security forces used water cannon, teargas, stun grenades and rubber bullets overnight to break up a peaceful rally. The rally aimed to protest against a “foreign influence” bill, which would require NGOs, civil rights groups and media organizations to register as “foreign agents” for receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad. The EU, which has granted Georgia candidate status, strongly condemned the violence and demanded the government to respect the right of peaceful assembly. The EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, emphasized that the use of force against peaceful protests is unacceptable.

Police crackdown and opposition’s response

The police detained 63 protesters in the capital city of Tbilisi and six officers were injured during the crackdown. The opposition parties, as well as the EU and the US, criticized the bill, arguing that it is authoritarian and has been inspired by Russian legislation. The demonstration continued late into the night, with approximately 2,000 protesters blocking major roads and facing violent confrontation with the masked riot police. Several journalists and opposition politicians were also attacked, sparking further outrage.

International response, opposition demands, and future prospects

The bill has generated significant tensions in Georgia, dividing the ruling Georgian Dream party and the protest movement, backed by opposition groups, civil society, and the president. Georgia’s president, Salome Zourabichvili, who has mainly ceremonial powers, appealed to the interior minister to halt the violence, emphasizing the disproportional use of force. The opposition demands the withdrawal of the bill, while the ruling party seems determined to proceed. Furthermore, this bill has attracted international concern, with the EU acknowledging that its adoption would hinder Georgia’s progression towards EU membership.

However, Georgian Dream and its political allies possess enough parliamentary seats to override any veto by the president. Georgia’s aspiration to join the EU and NATO enjoys significant support, with over 80% of the population endorsing the idea. Nevertheless, the country must address issues, including judicial and electoral system reform, reducing political polarization, improving press freedom, and mitigating the influence of oligarchs, to advance towards EU membership negotiations. As the political situation continues to develop, thousands of demonstrators persistently take to the streets opposing the bill, aiming to achieve their long-term goals.

International reactions and concerns

International voices have expressed concerns regarding the bill in Georgia. The president of the EU council, Charles Michel, stated that the bill is incompatible with Georgia’s aspiration for EU membership and will drive the country further away from the EU. Gert Jan Koopman, the head of EU enlargement negotiations, visited Georgia to assess the situation amid mounting concerns that the ruling party is undermining the country’s progress towards EU accession.

Notably, the German Green MEP Viola von Cramon called for significant measures, such as the withdrawal of EU candidate status, cessation of EU funding for development projects, and travel bans for MPs voting in favor of the bill. Peter Fischer, the German ambassador to Georgia, remarked that the violence inflicted and personal injuries sustained should cease, emphasizing that Germany and the EU closely follow developments in Georgia.

Additionally, Jim O’Brien, the US state department’s assistant secretary for European and Eurasian affairs, had dialogue with Georgian MPs, expressing strong concerns over the draft bill which he perceived as influenced by the Kremlin. He emphasized the negative impact of such legislation on Georgia’s European aspirations.

On the domestic front, Bidzina Ivanishvili, the billionaire chair of Georgian Dream, addressed pro-government supporters, claiming that the bill is essential to combat the non-transparent funding which he argues undermines Georgian independence. He further warned the opposition of the harsh political and legal consequences they will face after the upcoming elections in October.

This situation has sparked a strong response from the Georgian population, who view the bill as a significant threat against their European future. With ongoing protests and growing international pressure, the road ahead in Georgia remains uncertain.

International implications and future prospects

Georgia, a Southern Caucasus country that previously experienced a brief war with Russia in 2008, has continually aimed to strengthen its relations with the West. Although the country achieved candidate EU member status, skeptics suggest that the Georgian Dream party intends to bring the former Soviet republic closer to Russia. The EU has expressed its disapproval, stating that the bill, much like similar laws in Russia, contradicts Georgia’s goal for EU membership and distances the country from the bloc.

Charles Michel, Josep Borrell, and other Western politicians, diplomats, and commentators highlight the significance of Georgia’s political alignment and the potential consequences for the country’s future geopolitical path.

Georgian society is focused on voicing its objections and pushing for desired reforms, with a belief that the involvement of international actors and organizations might pave the way for a positive future for the country.

Note: This article was written using available news sources. The content presented above consists of our interpretation and understanding of the provided information.