Bidzina #Ivanishvili is speaking: #Georgia should be governed by the governed by people elected by Georgians, in 2004-2012 we were governed by the foreign-appointed revolutionary committee. They came to power as a result of NGO revolutions. #Ivanishvili: The bloody regime that was established showed us the price of this mistake. Some think the reason was sadism and lack of patriotism by #Saakashvili. In reality, all of this was ordered by their patrons from abroad. Those very politicians portray Saakashvili and his cronies as innocent.

BREAKING: The Georgian Dream withdraws the law on foreign funding from the Parliament

#NoToRussianLaw The statement reads "the machine of lies managed to present the law in the wrong light and misled part of the population..."

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

Riot police seen taking up positions inside the courtyard of the #Parliament. Photo shot through the gates by our own Guram Muradov/Civil.ge

#NoToRussianLaw #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

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

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).

#NoToRussianLaw 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

BREAKING: despite yesterday's public announcement that the Russia-inspired "foreign agents" law will be considered on Thursday, the majority intends to vote today.

#NoToRussianLaw 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

#NoToRussianLaw