Georgia's parliament yesterday approved a controversial plan to label hundreds of non-governmental organizations and media houses as foreign agents. This paved the way for the law to enter into force despite growing domestic discontent and condemnation from the US and the European Union.
Lawmakers backed the proposals put forward by the ruling Georgian Dream party by 84 votes to 30, after weeks of contentious debates that led to several brawls in the assembly hall and an attack on a lawmaker.
A large number of citizens gathered in front of the parliament building with whistles, vuvuzelas and even hit pots in an attempt to make the MPs hear their voice.
According to the new rules, civil society groups that receive more than 20 percent of their income from abroad will be required to register as "organizations that serve the interests of a foreign power." Critics fear the label will be used to silence anti-corruption campaigners and other critics of the government.
Georgian President Salome Zourabishvili has vowed not to sign the law amid a growing rift with her ruling party, but her veto may be overridden by a simple majority in parliament, paving the way for it to take effect in the coming weeks.

Opponents have dubbed it the "Russian law," comparing it to Russian legislation used to attack critics of the Kremlin.
The Georgian government claims that the law is needed to promote transparency, fight against "pseudo-liberal values" promoted by foreigners and preserve the country's sovereignty.
Tinatin Bokučava, the president of the largest opposition party in the parliament, the United National Movement, told the "Politiko" portal that the vote "will direct thinking about the urgent need for regime change in Georgia."
"With the elections coming up in October, I am convinced that the unity seen on the streets of Georgia in the last few weeks will be a turning point in the history of our nation. Our place is in Europe," she added.
Brussels granted Georgia candidate status for EU membership in December, despite warnings that it was backsliding on key human rights issues and that it had failed to fully implement reforms sought by the European Commission.
The EU said that the law is "incompatible with European values" and will be an obstacle for Tbilisi's further integration into that bloc.
Assistant US Secretary of State James O'Brien said yesterday that Washington's relations with Georgia will be threatened if the disputed law is adopted.
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