Discussion on Controversial Law Project Halted in Georgia

The Parliament of Georgia has suspended the discussion of the draft law on foreign agents. The Georgian bill on foreign agents was defeated in the second reading. This was reported by the Georgian service of Sputnik agency.

Only 1 parliament member voted in favor, while 35 voted against it and 58 abstained.

It is noteworthy that on March 7, the Parliament of Georgia passed the controversial 'foreign agents' law in its first reading. This prompted mass protests and unrest. The United States and EU countries urged the Georgian government to abandon the adoption of the law.

Yesterday, in the context of the protests, the ruling party 'Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia' decided to withdraw the bill on 'Transparency of Foreign Influence' from Parliament.

Protesters, doubting the assurances from the government, gathered again for a demonstration yesterday and also demanded the resignation of the current Georgian government. Today, hundreds of protesters awaited outside the Parliament for the decision that the MPs would ultimately make.

It should also be noted that the bill was perceived as a 'Russian law' that deviates from the European path.