Tensions flared in the Georgia legislature as lawmakers got into physical altercations over a controversial bill dealing with “foreign agents”.
The incident comes as members of the Georgian Dream government on Monday proposed legislation that has drawn criticism domestically and internationally.
The catalyst for the clash was a heated exchange between Mamuka Mdinaradze, the leader of the Georgian Dream parliamentary faction and a supporter of the bill, and the opposition MP Aleko Elisashvili. In a dramatic moment captured on live television, Mdinaradze received a punch from Elishashvili while speaking in parliament.
The incident led to a larger controversy involving many members of Parliament. Outside the parliament building, there was jubilation among protesters as a video of Elishashvili’s actions went viral.
The proposed law, which stalled after protests a year ago, would require organizations that receive foreign funding to register as “foreign agents” or face prosecution.
However, the bill has faced strong opposition from Western countries, including the European Union and the United States, who consider it incompatible with democratic values.
Despite the criticism, Georgia Dream has defended the bill to protect against what it sees as illegal foreign influence and increase transparency. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze reaffirmed the government’s position in a meeting with EU, UK and US ambassadors and emphasized the bill’s accountability goals.
Georgian critics have called the proposed law a “Russian law,” comparing it to laws the Russian government uses to prevent dissent. The rise of the project has led to some authoritarianism and strained relations with Western allies as Georgia pursues EU and NATO membership aspirations.
