Georgians clearly express their disagreement with the existing regime established in the country. How events are developing and what can be expected next – you can read in the article.
How did it all start?
Prior to the large-scale protests, the Georgian government approved a draft law on “foreign agents”, modeled as the same Russian one. Over the past year, it has affected many citizens of the Russian Federation who cover events and express opinions that do not coincide with the general mood of the government.
According to this law, if a TV channel, YouTube channel, radio station, famous person, public organization, etc. receives financial support from abroad, it is granted the status of “foreign agent”. In practice, this status has the effect of reducing the spread of opposition or human rights defenders.
Passions run high
The approval of the law took place rapidly: there was a fight in the Parliament of Georgia, and not just one. The draft law received the greatest support from the prime minister of the country, while the president, on the contrary, expressed disagreement. This only increased the tension both within the government and among citizens.
View from the side
The EU reacted to the document negatively. The opinion was expressed that this law is not consistent with the principles and requirements of EU membership, which Georgia is trying to obtain. US ambassadors currently working in Georgia called the day of approval of this document “a black day in Georgian history.”
March 7
Mass rallies of protesters have begun. They believe that this law is anti-democratic and prevents European integration.
At first, the rallies were peaceful, but soon clashes with the police began. Water cannons, stun grenades, and tear gas was used against people. After that, the protesters started throwing “Molotov cocktails”. As a result, almost 70 civilians were arrested.
March 8
After the suppression, the general mood did not change, rallies began to gather the next day as well. Thousands of people organized themselves and went in the direction of the parliament. This time they were more prepared, carrying banners with demands to cancel the adopted law, calling on the pro-Russian government to resign. Among the crowd were the flags of Georgia, the European Union, and the United States.
How will it end?
Analysts are trying to predict how events will develop further:
- the law will be “put on hold” until the dissatisfactions are over;
- the revolution aimed at changing the pro-Russian government will begin. It will cause an armed conflict with the involvement of the Russian military;
- the strict suppression of rallies in the coming days.
The Ukrainian government expressed solidarity with the Georgian people and supported their desire for integration with Europe.
