Georgia Politicians Fight in Parliament: Leaders have created a ruckus in the Parliament of Georgia. On Thursday (March 2), MPs clashed with each other over a bill. There was even a scuffle between the MPs. Even kick-punches went on in the Parliament. Leaders of opposition parties in Parliament disrupted a committee hearing on a controversial “Foreign Agents Bill” backed by the ruling party.
Critics say that those in power want to crack down by making changes. America (US) has also expressed concern over this.
Fierce ruckus in the Parliament of Georgia
There was a fierce scuffle between the opposition MPs and the people of the ruling Georgia Dream Party over the bill. In the footage broadcast by the media of Georgia, it can be clearly seen how the MPs are creating ruckus in the Parliament. Opposition MPs are opposing the ‘Foreign Agent’ bill. Critics have said it is reminiscent of a 2012 Russian law used to crack down on civil society.
Skirmish in the Georgian parliament during the discussion of controversial draft law on ‘foreign agent’ similar to the one in Russia.#Georgia pic.twitter.com/AiPC1kumcC
тАФ sam martirosyan (@sammartirosyan9) March 2, 2023
In February, more than 60 media outlets and civil society groups said they would not comply with the law if the bill was passed. Georgia’s President Salome Zorabichvili has said she will veto the bill, although parliament can override her veto. The bill has increased the concern of many countries including America.
America expressed concern
On Thursday, US State Department spokesman Ned Price said that this bill will have a negative impact on freedom of expression and democracy. Ned Price told reporters, “This bill will silence the voices of Georgians who are dedicated to building a better country for their communities”.
Russia first implemented this type of law
Russia adopted it in the year 2012 by making its first law on “Foreign Agent”. It has since been expanded to include individual Russian citizens, including NGOs, media outlets and journalists. In June last year, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled that Russia’s law on foreign agents violated the rights of designated groups.
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