Georgia is facing a political crisis as the government pushes a controversial "foreign agent" bill

 

Georgia is facing a political crisis as the government pushes a controversial "foreign agent" bill, sparking massive protests and fears of a drift towards authoritarianism. The bill, similar to a law introduced by Russian President Vladimir Putin, would require organizations receiving over 20% of their funding from abroad to register as "foreign agents" or face heavy fines.

Thousands of Georgians have gathered outside parliament for weeks, braving tear gas and water cannons, to protest the bill. They fear it will undermine the country's bid to join the European Union and push it further into the Kremlin's orbit. The ruling Georgian Dream party, led by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, is determined to pass the bill despite intense opposition.

Critics say the bill targets independent media and civil society organizations, ahead of October's elections. Ivanishvili, who made his fortune in the Soviet Union, is accused of having pro-Russian sympathies and using his wealth and influence to control the government.

The protests have grown increasingly fierce, with police using brutal force to disperse crowds. Opposition leaders have been beaten and detained, and protesters have been tear-gassed and water-cannoned. Despite this, the protests show no signs of slowing, with many Georgians determined to protect their country's democratic future.

The international community has expressed concern, with the US State Department criticizing the bill and Georgia's "anti-Western rhetoric." The EU, which granted Georgia candidate status in December, has also expressed concern about the bill's impact on Georgia's democratic development.

As the crisis deepens, many fear that Georgia is heading towards a revolution. The government's determination to pass the bill, despite massive opposition, has sparked fears of a crackdown on dissent and a slide towards authoritarianism. The protesters, however, remain defiant, insisting that they will not let their country become another Belarus or Russia.

The situation is precarious, with both sides refusing to back down. The government claims it is fighting against "foreign interference" and "pseudo-elite" forces, while the protesters see themselves as defending their country's democratic future. As the standoff continues, Georgia's future hangs in the balance.