Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Oracle of  Omaha SaysOracle of  Omaha Says

Latest News

Georgian opposition parties urge mass protests against ‘Russian’ bill

Six Georgian opposition parties appealed on Thursday for mass protests against a government bill on ‘foreign agents’ which they say aims to block the South Caucasus country’s path towards the European Union and NATO.

The bill, which critics compare to legislation that Russia has used extensively to crack down on dissent, has already prompted three straight nights of demonstrations this week in the capital Tbilisi.

Up to 10,000 protesters gathered outside the parliament on Wednesday evening before marching on the prime minister’s office. At least 13 people have been detained over the past two days and one police officer was injured in altercations, the interior ministry said.

In their jointly published statement, the opposition parties hailed the protesters’ ‘fighting spirit’ and slammed the ruling Georgian Dream party for supporting the bill.

‘The Russian law initiated by ‘Georgian Dream’ is in contradiction with the Constitution of Georgia, the will of the Georgian people to become a full-fledged member of the European Union and NATO, and the long-term goal of securing the sovereignty of our country,’ the parties said.

The Kremlin has denied any association with the bill.

The opposition specifically singled out Bidzina Ivanishvili, a billionaire former prime minister who founded Georgian Dream, for ‘trying to kill the European future of Georgia’.

Ivanishvili could not be reached for comment.

The bill would require organizations receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as agents of foreign influence. Georgian Dream says it will help promote transparency and combat ‘pseudo-liberal values’ imposed by foreigners.

Eighty-three of parliament’s 150 deputies backed the bill on its first reading on Wednesday in a vote boycotted by opposition parties. It must clear two more readings to become law.

The EU said the bill risks blocking Georgia’s path to membership, while the U.S. State Department also expressed disappointment over Wednesday’s parliamentary vote.

‘(The bill) could limit freedom of expression, stigmatize organizations that deliver these benefits to the citizens of Georgia, and impede independent media organizations working to provide Georgians with access to high quality information,’ State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement.

Georgia’s pro-European opposition is deeply divided, including over the legacy of jailed former president Mikheil Saakashvili, whose United National Movement (UNM) party remains the country’s second largest.

The UNM was among the six signatories to Thursday’s appeal.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS
Enter Your Information Below To Receive Free Trading Ideas, Latest News And Articles.






    Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive offers, and special promotions. Sign up now and be the first to know! As a member, you'll receive curated content, insider tips, and invitations to exclusive events. Don't miss out on being part of something special.


    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.
    Your information is secure and your privacy is protected. By opting in you agree to receive emails from us. Remember that you can opt-out any time, we hate spam too!

    You May Also Like

    Latest News

    A former Republican legislative candidate who traveled to Washington for former President Donald Trump’s ‘Stop the Steal’ rally was arrested Friday and charged with...

    Latest News

    Abbe Lowell, Hunter Biden’s attorney, filed an ethics complaint Friday against Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green after she displayed censured nude photos of the president’s...

    Stock

    Even as U.S. inflation broadly cools, frozen vegetable prices are hot. The average shelf price for frozen veggies rose by 18% in the past year...

    Latest News

    President Biden has overruled the Pentagon and chosen Adm. Lisa Franchetti to lead the Navy, making her the first woman, if she’s confirmed, to...

    Disclaimer: Oracleofomahasays.com, its managers, its employees, and assigns (collectively “The Company”) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.


    Copyright © 2024 Oracleofomahasays.com