Security forces in Georgia begin mass detention of people protesting bill on foreign agents: Reports

By Ceyhun Alizade

ANKARA (AA) - Special forces in Georgia's capital Tbilisi began dispersing people who had gathered near the parliament building to protest against the adoption of a bill on foreign agents, local media reported early Wednesday.

Footage on social media showed police using tear gas and water cannons against participants of the protest rally near the parliament.

Police called on the protestors to disperse, warning them that legal measures would be used against them is they refused to do so.

Georgian police have full control of the square in front of the parliament, say media reports.

The protesters had been dispersed several times earlier but returned near the parliament later to continue the demonstration.

Approval of a draft law on "Transparency of Foreign Influence" led to demonstrations in the capital.

The law requires individuals, civil society organizations and media outlets to register with the Justice Ministry as “agents of foreign influence” if they receive at least 20% of their funds from abroad. It imposes additional reporting requirements, inspections and administrative and criminal liability including up to five years in prison for any violations.

Demonstrators reacted strongly to the approval of the bill submitted by the opposition People's Power Party. Opposition parties argue that the law in question is anti-democratic.