A parliamentary session in Georgia turned chaotic as members got into physical fights over a controversial “foreign agent” bill, with opposition leader Aleko Elisashvili even hitting a member of the ruling Georgian Dream party.
The incident happened during a heated discussion about the proposed law, which critics say will make Georgia more susceptible to Russian influence.
The brawl started when a prominent member of the Georgian Dream party, who supports the bill, was speaking in parliament.
Elisashvili’s punch led to more scuffles among the lawmakers, drawing attention nationally and internationally.
After the altercation, Elisashvili received applause from his supporters outside the parliament building, where he strongly spoke out against the bill and its potential impact on Georgian independence.
“I got beaten, but if it’s for Georgia, then so be it. F**k them! We must shove this law up their a**es. There is no time for politeness, they are dragging us directly into Russia. We are either Georgians or slaves. And we are not slaves,” Elisashvili told reporters outside the parliament.
The bill in question is causing controversy as it would make any organization that receives foreign funding register as a “foreign agent.” Many people are concerned that this move will stigmatize and hinder the operations of non-governmental organizations and media outlets.
Protests have erupted in Tbilisi against the bill, with demonstrators calling it a “Russian law.” In response to the violence in parliament, five opposition MPs, including Giorgi Vashadze, Paata Manjgaladze, Ana Natsvlishvili, Levan Khabeishvili, and Khatia Dekanoidze, werexpelled from the Judiciary Committee hearing on the bill.
Over 60 civil society organizations and media outlets have stated that they will not comply with the legislation if it is passed. European countries and the EU have also expressed opposition to the bill, raising concerns about Georgia’s democratic path and its desire to join the European Union.
Despite the criticism, supporters like Givi Mikanadze, a Georgian Dream lawmaker, argue that the bill is necessary for transparency. They believe that “Georgian society deserves to know which organizations are receiving funding and from where.”
The future of the bill is uncertain as the debate continues, with both sides holding firm in their positions.
