In a swift 67-second session, Georgia’s Parliament’s Legal Committee voted on a controversial foreign agents law, sparking outrage as most opposition MPs were unable to attend. Over 50,000 protesters marched in Tbilisi to oppose the bill, referred to as the “Russian law” due to its similarities with repressive legislation in Russia.
Opposition politicians, like Khatia Dekanoidze, criticized the hasty vote, calling it “shameful” and “illegitimate,” as many representatives were barred from entering the session. The ruling Georgian Dream party plans to finalize the law on May 14 despite widespread criticism and protests.