U.S. sounds alarm as thousands in Georgia’s capital protest ‘Kremlin-style’ foreign influence bill

In Georgia’s capital, thousands protested against a controversial law on foreign influence, fearing it mirrors Kremlin tactics.

Clashes erupted between masked police and demonstrators outside Parliament. Among the 20 detained were two Americans and a Russian.

The bill requires entities receiving over 20% of funding from abroad to register as pursuing foreign interests, CNBC has reported.

Critics fear it mirrors Russian laws stifling dissent. Despite international concern, Georgia’s government vows to proceed with the bill, sparking some of the largest protests since independence.

The final vote is set for Tuesday.

Written by B.C. Begley