Protesters demand Georgia withdraw ‘Russian law’

Protesters took to the streets in Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, demanding the government to withdraw a controversial law that many see as bowing to Russian pressure.

The law, which was recently passed by the Georgian parliament, includes provisions for stricter controls on non-governmental organizations and civil society groups. Critics of the law argue that it infringes on freedom of speech and restricts the activities of independent organizations.

The protesters, numbering in the thousands, marched through the streets of Tbilisi carrying banners and chanting slogans calling for the government to repeal the law. Some protesters also accused the government of being too close to Russia and compromising Georgia’s sovereignty.

The Georgian government has defended the law, saying that it is necessary to protect national security and prevent foreign interference in the country’s domestic affairs. However, the government has also signaled that it is willing to engage in dialogue with civil society groups to address their concerns.

As the protests continue, it remains to be seen whether the government will heed the demands of the protesters and reconsider the controversial law.