NewsBrutality and controversy: Georgia grapples with Foreign Agents Law
Brutality and controversy: Georgia grapples with Foreign Agents Law
A security forces unit in Georgia brutally beat a detained protester. The man was subjected to the so-called "corridor" treatment, where he was kicked and beaten en route to the police car.
The law on transparency of foreign influences, also known as the "foreign agents law," is causing numerous controversies in Georgia's capital. Its provisions are modelled after a law already in effect in Russia.
Under this law, the Russian government can now, at its discretion, change the working hours of certain organizations during "anti-terrorist and other" operations abroad. It may also prohibit companies from participating in public tenders.
There were at least 200,000 people, but during the day, this number probably was higher and approached 300,000—reported the service newsgeorgia.ge.
According to the "foreign agents" law, anyone under "foreign influence" can be recognized as a foreign agent. Those designated by authorities as "foreign agents" are banned from teaching in public educational institutions, engaging in activities at the expense of the state, and participating in public procurement. What qualifies as "foreign influence"? That remains unclear.
Police brutality: A suspect was beaten
Protests also continued on Monday, but this time, the security forces in Georgia showed no mercy. About 20 people were detained, including foreigners.
A short video, which circulated on social media, shows a unit of security forces in Georgia brutally beating a detained protester. He is then again subjected to the "corridor" treatment, where he is kicked and beaten on his way to the police car.
