New Footage and Details from Georgia's Protest: Water Cannons, Gas, Fire

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia has announced the arrest of 66 individuals during a protest against the foreign agents law. Georgian media outlets report that around 50 employees of the Ministry have been injured, some requiring surgical intervention, and they remain in medical facilities.

An investigation has been launched into the incidents of violence against law enforcement officers. Protesters have caused damage to police vehicles, special equipment, set fire to the parliament building, smashed windows, and broken security barriers.

The protest, which initially centered on the issues of freedom of speech and the right to peaceful assembly, escalated into violence, leading police to consistently employ proportional force.

It is important to note that the draft law on “Transparency of Foreign Influence” proposes the establishment of a registry for NGOs, media outlets, and other entities receiving foreign funding in Georgia. The leader of the ruling “Georgian Dream” party commented on this initiative, stating that citizens are being purposely misled and misinformation is being spread, while the transparency of NGOs would help reduce political polarization in the country.