Georgian Parliament Erupts: Politician Punched, Chaos Ensues in Chaotic Brawl

 

On Monday, a wave of unrest swept through the streets of Georgia as thousands voiced their opposition to a controversial bill discussed within the parliament, drawing condemnation from both local and international quarters for its perceived resemblance to Russian policies. Inside the parliamentary chambers, chaos erupted as lawmakers clashed over the proposed legislation, with televised scenes capturing an altercation between Mamuka Mdinaradze, leader of the Georgian Dream’s parliamentary faction, and opposition MP Aleko Elisashvili, leading to a brawl and the abrupt termination of the broadcast.

Simultaneously, outside the historic parliament building, a throng of over 5,000 demonstrators amassed, demanding the withdrawal of the bill, which mandates organizations receiving foreign funding to register as foreign agents or face penalties. Critics within Georgia have dubbed it "the Russian law," drawing parallels to Kremlin tactics aimed at stifling dissent.

Despite mounting opposition, the ruling Georgian Dream party and its allies, wielding control over the parliament’s legal affairs committee, pushed forward with the bill's endorsement. The streets echoed with chants of "Russians! Russians!" as protesters faced off against police cordons and water cannons, resulting in the detention of 14 demonstrators and injuries to a police officer amidst clashes.

In the midst of the turmoil, voices of defiance emerged, with activists like 24-year-old Tornike expressing unwavering determination to challenge the legislation and, if necessary, the government itself. Meanwhile, President Salome Zourabichvili, though largely ceremonial, threw her weight behind the protesters, decrying any notion of a return to Soviet-era policies.

The reintroduction of the bill by the Georgian Dream party, spearheaded by influential figure Bidzina Ivanishvili, has reignited simmering tensions, reminiscent of the public outcry that led to its shelving the previous year. With organizers calling for further protests, Georgia finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with issues of democracy, freedom of expression, and its geopolitical identity.

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