Posted 4/15/2024, 1:41:51 PM
Georgian Lawmakers Trade Punches Over Heated Foreign Agent Bill Divide
- Georgian lawmakers brawl during debate over proposed "foreign agent" bill requiring organizations receiving overseas funds to register or face fines
- Bill has drawn criticism from Western countries and protests at home as being "pro-Russia"
- Ruling party leader Mamuka Mdinaradze punched by opposition MP Aleko Elisashvili amid tensions over Georgia's geopolitical orientation
- Protesters gather outside parliament with EU flag, oppose bill seen as similar to Russian crackdown on dissent
- Adoption of controversial legislation likely to further polarize Georgia ahead of elections, despite government defense as promoting accountability