Critics argue that the bill, dubbed “the Russian law”, bears the hallmarks of legislation employed by the Kremlin to suppress dissent. This perception is rooted in Georgia’s fraught history with Russia, including a brief war in 2008.

The protests have pitted the ruling Georgian Dream party against a coalition of opposition parties, civil society groups, and even the country’s president, all of whom oppose the bill. Despite the outcry, parliament, controlled by Georgian Dream and its allies, voted along party lines to push the legislation forward.

The decision incited uproar among the protesters gathered outside parliament, who voiced their disapproval with boos and jeers. The bill now awaits one final vote in parliament before it can become law.

Tensions escalated further when security forces launched a crackdown on protesters outside parliament, using water cannons, tear gas, and stun grenades. Dozens were arrested, and several were injured, including opposition leader Levan Khabeishvili, who suffered severe injuries allegedly inflicted by police during the protest.

Supporters of the bill, including Bidzina Ivanishvili, the billionaire founder of Georgian Dream and former prime minister, argue that the law is necessary to protect national sovereignty. They claim it will safeguard Georgia against perceived Western attempts to provoke conflict with Russia.

The parliamentary debate surrounding the bill was marked by tension, with opposition members expelled and physical altercations breaking out among legislators. The European Union also condemned the crackdown on protesters and warned that the bill could impede Georgia’s integration into the bloc.