The statement reads "the machine of lies managed to present the law in the wrong light and misled part of the population..."
"...and radical forces managed to drag the part of youth into illegal actions"
"thanks to heroic law enforcers who responded with calm and professionalism"
"we should care about peace, calm and economic development, decisive on the road to European integration"
"once the emotions subside we will explain better to our citizen why ensuring the transparency od foreign funding was important"
"we are acting with responsibility befitting the governing force"
Legal experts point out that once the law was passed in the first reading, it cannot be "recalled" but should be voted down in the second reading. Protests are likely to resume with this demand. #NoToRussianLaw
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President #Zelensky made a statement in support of protesters in #Tbilisi: I would like to thank all of you, who were holding Ukrainian flags in the streets and squares of Georgia these days. I want to thank you for our national anthem, which was played in Tbilisi. 1/4
...This is respect towards #Ukraine and I want to express my deep respect towards #Georgia.
There is no Ukrainian who would not wish success for our friendly Georgia. I wish you democratic success. I wish you #European success. 2/4
We want to be in #EU and we will be. We want #Georgia to be in the European Union and I am sure it will happen. 3/4
#Police HQ issues call on citizens and political leaders to refrain from challenging officers and to keep public order. They warn that should protesters not heed the call, force will be used. #NoToRussianLaw
Protesters break through the additional metal barriers set up at the back entrance of the #parliament . #Police remain inside the gates.
Riot #police is seen assembling, possibly moving towards the protesters in front of the #parliament. The numbers of protesters have thinned after tear gas was deployed alongside water cannons, causing severe eye irritation. Many reportedly required medical assistance.
Still, the number of protesters at the #parliament facade on Rustaveli avenue likely numbers in the thousands. #NoToRussianLaw
A lull after almost two hours of tension in #Tbilisi streets. The riot #police have pulled back after majority #MPs who voted for the "foreign agent" law have been rushed out from the #Parliament 1
Ruling party leader Irakli #Kobakhidze said the law has "no bearing" on #Georgia's #European future and his party is committed to #EU membership 2/5
#Kobakhidze said many of those who protest "haven't read the law, or read it without lawyer's advice", he accused radical opposition of manipulating the matter and lies about "Russian law" 3/5
BREAKING: The Parliament passed the law "On Transparency of Foreign Funding" in its first reading; 76 voted for 13 against it. (113 MPs have been registered to vote).
The legislative process has three readings. The first vote equals acceptance of the draft in its principle; further readings adapt the particular details and wording. The Speaker said the passed draft will be forwarded to the .@VeniceComm w its comments informing 2nd/3rd readings
There is tension between police and citizens near the parliament. The police do not allow protes to approach the parliament's entrance. Special Law enforcements are also mobilized.
BREAKING: despite yesterday's public announcement that the Russia-inspired "foreign agents" law will be considered on Thursday, the majority intends to vote today.
The majority leader Mdinaradze argues that the draft defense code, which was to be discussed today "is not ready for discussion" and the foreign agent laws will be discussed instead
#CSO, citizens, civic leaders and opposition party reps who were starting to leave the #Parliament protest, are streaming back as the news spreads of the majority wishing to pass the "foreign agent" law in the first (out of 3) hearing.