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WATCH protesters storm Georgia’s parliament building WATCH protesters storm Georgia’s parliament
(about 7 hours later)
The demonstrations against the controversial ‘foreign agents’ bill continued in Tbilisi on Wednesday night Demonstrations against the controversial ‘foreign agents’ bill continued in Tbilisi on Wednesday night
Protesters clashed with police in Georgia’s capital Tbilisi and tried to break into the country’s parliament on Wednesday night, as intense rallies against the controversial ‘foreign agents’ bill continue.  Protesters clashed with police in the Georgian capital and tried to break into parliament on Wednesday night, as riots against the controversial ‘foreign agents’ bill continue. 
A large crowd gathered outside the parliament building for a second night in a row, with activists waving Georgian and EU flags. They oppose the bill that would force organizations that receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as “foreign agents.” The MPs approved the second reading of the bill on Wednesday. A large crowd gathered outside the national legislature in Tbilisi for a second night in a row, with activists waving Georgian and EU flags.
A group of protesters, some wearing ski masks, dismantled security fences and attempted to break into the legislative compound. Police officers responded with water cannons and pepper spray, pushing intruders from the gate.  The capital has been thrown into turmoil by a bill forcing organizations that receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as “foreign agents.” Lawmakers approved the measure in a second reading on Wednesday.
Some protesters were filmed brawling with the officers and resisting arrest. According to Georgia’s First Channel, protesters erected barricades and blocked several roads in central Tbilisi.  A group of protesters, some wearing ski masks, dismantled security fences and attempted to break into the parliamentary compound. Police responded with water cannons and pepper spray, pushing intruders from the gates. 
Some protesters were filmed brawling with officers and resisting arrest. According to Georgia’s First Channel, protesters erected barricades and blocked several roads in central Tbilisi. 
The confrontation between protesters and special forces by the parliament is ongoing.Tbilisi Protesters #NoToRussianLawpic.twitter.com/M7MalcLmU4The confrontation between protesters and special forces by the parliament is ongoing.Tbilisi Protesters #NoToRussianLawpic.twitter.com/M7MalcLmU4
Current situation near the parliament #Georgia#Tbilisi#TbilisiProtests#NoToRussianLaw#RussianLawpic.twitter.com/DghRKviz1fCurrent situation near the parliament #Georgia#Tbilisi#TbilisiProtests#NoToRussianLaw#RussianLawpic.twitter.com/DghRKviz1f
A total of 63 people were detained for public disturbances the previous night, when activists also clashed with police, Deputy Interior Minister Alexander Darakhvelidze told reporters. A total of 63 people were detained the previous night, when activists also clashed with police, Deputy Interior Minister Alexander Darakhvelidze told reporters.
TBILISI / GEORGIA :At the request of Georgia's pro-Russian government, police violently attacked a peaceful protest.Georgian society is protesting against “Russian law” and the “Russification of Georgia”. #WeAreEurope 🇬🇪🇪🇺 pic.twitter.com/2HnR0SifliTBILISI / GEORGIA :At the request of Georgia's pro-Russian government, police violently attacked a peaceful protest.Georgian society is protesting against “Russian law” and the “Russification of Georgia”. #WeAreEurope 🇬🇪🇪🇺 pic.twitter.com/2HnR0Sifli
The leading pro-Western opposition party United National Movement said that its leader Levan Khabeishvili was briefly “kidnapped” and beaten by police in the early hours of Wednesday. Khabeishvili attended a parliament meeting later that day with bandages on his nose and forehead. The leading pro-Western opposition party, United National Movement, said its leader Levan Khabeishvili was briefly “kidnapped” and beaten by police in the early hours of Wednesday. Khabeishvili attended a parliament session later that day with bandages on his nose and forehead.
The opposition has branded the controversial bill “a Russian law,” drawing comparison to the legislation that was passed in Russia in 2012 and has since been expanded. The protesters insist that the government would use the legislation to stigmatize independent media and punish dissent. The opposition has branded the controversial bill “a Russian law,” drawing a comparison with legislation that was passed in Russia in 2012 and has since been expanded. Opponents insist claim the government will use the legislation to crack down on dissent and independent media.
The ruling Georgian Dream party argues that the bill is closer to the US Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 and is in line with EU standards.The ruling Georgian Dream party argues that the bill is closer to the US Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 and is in line with EU standards.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze defended the bill on Wednesday, claiming that NGOs and the media are exploiting their lack of transparency to “engage in activities that completely go against the interests of the Georgian state and society,” including “the propaganda of drugs and LGBT.” Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze defended the bill on Wednesday, claiming that NGOs and the media are exploiting their lack of transparency to “engage in activities that completely go against the interests of the Georgian state and society,” including “the propaganda of drugs and LGBT.” 
The government first introduced the bill last year, but was forced to withdraw it following protest and clashes.The government first introduced the bill last year, but was forced to withdraw it following protest and clashes.