Police Hassle Protesters as the Majority Poised to Adopt the ‘Foreign Agents Law’
Citizens started to gather at various locations around the Parliament building as the ruling majority is poised to adopt the highly controversial, Russian-style “foreign agents’ law” in its first reading on April 16.
The police hassled a group of protesters, mostly made of opposition activists, who tried to block the side entrance to the parliament courtyard. Nika Melia and Nika Gvaramia, both leaders of the newly formed “Ahali” party, were seen at the scene.
Activists, students, and citizens from all walks of life started to gather at the scene at 19:00 local time (17:00 CET). Yesterday, April 15, the protest drew a large crowd estimated to be more than 20,000.
Today’s session has been rescheduled for tomorrow afternoon, April 17, when the Foreign Agents Bill is expected to pass.
Shortly after the parliamentary session ended, the situation behind the parliament building escalated between riot police and citizens. Pepper spray was reportedly used against several demonstrators. Some were also detained.
More to Follow…
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