Demonstrations Continue in Georgia’s Tbilisi Over Proposed ‘Foreign Agents’ Law

Protests have continued in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, against proposed legislation aimed at combating perceived foreign influence in the South Caucasus nation. If enacted, the law would require organizations that accept funding from abroad to register as “foreign agents” or face financial penalties. On April 28, thousands marched through the streets of Tbilisi to protest against the bill, which critics—both domestic and foreign—claim is “inspired” by Moscow. According to protester Nika Shurgaia, the bill’s passage will lead to the closure of non-government organizations (NGOs) that rely on overseas funding to pursue domestic activities. “There are hundreds of such NGOs who have done so much good for Georgia,” Mr. Shurgaia told Reuters. “Now they face being stigmatized and possibly shut down.”...