Police and crowds of protesters continued to conflict later Wednesday over a contentious draft legislation that critics say may stifle media freedom and civil society.
Police within the capital of Georgia used water cannons and tear fuel to disperse demonstrators across the parliament constructing protesting the draft legislation.
Lawmakers on Tuesday accepted the primary studying of the proposed legislation, which might require media and nongovernmental organizations that obtain over 20% of their funding from overseas sources to register as “agents of foreign influence.” More than 60 protesters have been arrested exterior parliament in Tbilisi after the approval.
The measure is just like one enacted in Russia in 2012 that has been used to close down or discredit organizations vital of the federal government. Opponents see it as doubtlessly obstructing Georgia’s said intention of becoming a member of NATO and the European Union at some point.
The draft legislation “goes directly against the Georgian authorities’ declared ambition to receive candidate status for EU membership,” stated an announcement from European Parliament members Maria Kaljurand and Sven Mikser, who’re prime figures in relations with Georgia.
“The new law’s purpose, under the guise of promoting transparency, is to stigmatize the work of civil society organizations and media,” the assertion added.
Protest leaders Wednesday referred to as for demonstrators to stop parliament members from returning to the constructing till the measure is withdrawn.
It was to be mentioned later Thursday, however native media reported that the talk has been suspended.
Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Wednesday requested for the measure to be assessed by the Vienna Commission on the constitutional legislation of the Council of Europe, the continent’s main human rights physique.
While Georgia’s president, Salome Zurabishvili, has stated she would veto the invoice, its authors say it’s wanted for the transparency of the work of entities financed by representatives of overseas states. Parliament can override presidential vetoes.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
