Clashes in Georgia as it Presses Forward with Controversial Law | Vantage with Palki Sharma

Clashes in Georgia as it Presses Forward with Controversial Law | Vantage with Palki Sharma
Georgian lawmakers gave a first green light to a controversial "foreign influence" law that has sparked mass street protests across the country. Georgia's ruling party is pushing ahead with it but there are concerns that the bill would undermine Tbilisi's European aspirations. If adopted, the bill would require any independent NGO and media organisation receiving receives more than 20 percent of funding from abroad to register as an "organisation pursuing the interests of a foreign power." The bill has been criticised as mirroring a repressive Russian law on "foreign agents" used there to silence dissent. So why is Georgia's ruling party still going ahead with it? Do other countries have such laws? Palki Sharma tells you.
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Georgia | Lawmakers | Foreign Influence Law | Clashes | Controversy | Firstpost | World News | News Live | Vantage | Palki Sharma | News
#georgia #lawmakers #foreigninfluencebill #clashes #controversy #firstpost #vantageonfirstpost #palkisharma #worldnews
Vantage is a ground-breaking news, opinions, and current affairs show from Firstpost. Catering to a global audience, Vantage covers the biggest news stories from a 360-degree perspective, giving viewers a chance to assess the impact of world events through a uniquely Indian lens.
The show is anchored by Palki Sharma, Managing Editor, Firstpost.
By breaking stereotypes, Vantage aims to challenge conventional wisdom and present an alternative view on global affairs, defying the norm and opening the door to new perspectives. The show goes beyond the headlines to uncover the hidden stories - making Vantage a destination for thought-provoking ideas.
Vantage airs Monday to Friday at 9 PM IST on Firstpost across all leading platforms.
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[@THEeaternalpeople]

This law needs to be in every democracy to know who is funding them by that we can even stop money coming for terrorism or any other anti-national activities. Even in India many organization along with opposition party promote pseudo secularism and even organize useless protests for even good projects which can help people and nation to grow

[@TheodoreDaridMauro]

These laws are not the same - the USA laws are about lobbying and does nnot cover NGO, academic or press groups www.justice.gov/nsd-fara/fara-index-and-act

[@GeorgeGzirishvili]

We already have a financial transparency law in Georgia. This bill is about restricting free speech by indiscriminately declaring everyone foreign agents, despite the nature of their work. Very similar to the Russian Foreign Agents law. Now for the question: Have you actually read the law? How do you know it's good? What's wrong with you is that you form opinions without proper research.

[@newblaine]

We need this in the 🇺🇸

[@santoshNarayana]

did you not listen to the report? we already have this law

[@biswaroopmaiti2943]

It's there already lol.. It's called FARA.

[@GeorgeGzirishvili]

It's not like FARA. FARA is about longing and it takes the nature of the work of such organizations into account. As per FARA, less than 10 organizations are listed as foreign agents, in the case of this proposed legislation, it'll be thousands. Much like how it is in Russia. This is an anti-free speech law. Especially since Georgian court system is corrupt and not independent.

[@GeorgeGzirishvili]

Also, we already have a financial transparency law in Georgia. This bill is about restricting free speech by indiscriminately declaring everyone foreign agents, despite the nature of their work. Very similar to the Russian Foreign Agents law. Now for the question: Have you actually read the law? How do you know it's good? What's wrong with you is that you form opinions without proper research.

[@user-be4ix8rs8s]

When you compare how Christians protest And how Muslims protest, you know who is peaceful Muslim protests look like they are preparing for war🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@matthewcunningham5069]

That’s just your bigotry and fearfulness.

[@HimanshuMahajan-zn3nq]

​@@matthewcunningham5069come to india and you'll know how muslims protest

[@cp6947]

Agreed

[@devaconsiouness]

It is not bigotry is the fact.

[@stand4justice4867]

Baseless and unintelligent comment.

[@derpyeh9107]

Georgia is a beautiful and glorious nation! 🇬🇪

[@kmjsjeheh1417]

Yes FORY Nice 🇬🇪🇪🇺👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@JoeFrancis4876]

That's a good idea ,so the fund can't be used for terrorist activities

[@Numaaaaaa1]

I fund education and that makes me a foreign agent? Government receives funding from the west does that make them agents too?

[@You_are_absoultely_right]

​@@Numaaaaaa1 There is a huge difference between any government receiving funds and any Shaddy NGO receiving funds. You have no Idea how many civil war happened and how many millions of lives lost due to Sh*tty media and NGOs using foreign funds.....

[@JoeFrancis4876]

@@Numaaaaaa1 ..west funds for UN ,unwra etc it's should be stopped in the first places ,making the refugees to become fat goose from the taxes from the citizens of west .

[@usmantariq7997]

​@@Numaaaaaa1depends on how much

[@close_all_tabs]

Problem is, in Georgia they fear that this will be misused the same way as in Russia. Calling everyone who is pro-EU a foreign agent, while keeping silent about everything funded by the Kremlin.

[@thedarkknight4243]

Government censorship

[@youlost88s]

lol how so?

[@GeorgeGzirishvili]

We already have a financial transparency law in Georgia. This bill is about restricting free speech by indiscriminately declaring everyone foreign agents, despite the nature of their work. Very similar to the Russian Foreign Agents law.

[@waldensmith4796]

Great Report on the Foreign supporters to political parties in Georgia. Globally from the report it clearly shows major nations like India the US Russia Hungary etc upholds transparency with registrations of foreign support to political parties. The ruling party in Georgia wants to uphold good electoral standards which is beneficial to all. Keep up the good work at Vantage.

[@TheodoreDaridMauro]

Not the same laws. The USA law does not require the same people to register as the Georgian proposed law does. Read it here www.justice.gov/nsd-fara/fara-index-and-act

[@Numaaaaaa1]

It's only beneficial to the Russians who were the one who praised it

[@bediosoro7786]

@@Numaaaaaa1 explain your point. if the law is passed that means Russia cannot fund some organization in Georgia without publicly declaring it as their agent. So your reaction is just a brain dead reaction.

[@samuellopesbaule5745]

​@@bediosoro7786, I agree with you! If the bill isn't passed, then any country will destabilize the country by pumping a lot of money for candidates! Ignorance is the mother of everything, 😂😂😂😂😂

[@GeorgeGzirishvili]

We already have a financial transparency law in Georgia. This bill is about restricting free speech by indiscriminately declaring everyone foreign agents, despite the nature of their work. Very similar to the Russian Foreign Agents law. Now for the question: Have you actually read the law? How do you know it's good? What's wrong with you is that you form opinions without proper research.

[@anilsatra897]

Jai Bharat... Jai Sanatan Dharm... Only NaMo

[@bhartia1800]

Palki sharam 🤗🤗👍

[@GeorgeGzirishvili]

We already have a financial transparency law in Georgia. This bill is about restricting free speech by indiscriminately declaring everyone foreign agents, despite the nature of their work. Very similar to the Russian Foreign Agents law.

[@bediosoro7786]

what is the difference compare to the same law in US. they do not restrict freedom of speech they ask you do show on behave of who are you talking. if you are talking on behave of foreign fund raiser the people of Georgia must know that that i what is is about, Russia and US have both this law but there is more western media in russia today than there are Rusian media in EU . where is the freedom of speech. The law is necessary to expose all foreign agents.

[@GeorgeGzirishvili]

@@bediosoro7786, I've read it, and I've also read FARA. One is about every organization, the other is about lobbying. This draft law also doesn't distinguish between friendly countries like Germany or Netherlands and enemies like Russia. It also doesn't take account the nature of the work of the organizations. Why is that less than 10 organizations are lised as foreign agents as per FARA and in the case of this proposed law, it'll be hundreds or even thousands? Do you think less than 10 organizations are receiving 20% of funding from abroad in the US? Have you read what are the criteria for being considered foreign agent under FARA?

[@bediosoro7786]

@@GeorgeGzirishvili This a meeting of one of these organization in Belarus that tried to do regime change back then. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqjJfqR_fLp3rK8 Georgean governement what to be independent decided by itself like Stalin the Georgian leader of soviet union not influenced by the west and become later a proxy like Ukraine

[@bediosoro7786]

@GeorgeGzirishvili i heard there were foreign politicians at the protest to encourage them . can you explain what foreign politicians are doing at the protest if they are not the organizers or interfering in Georgia affair. Remember the same happened in Ukraine where they decided who should run the country and how. If you don't see that the protest is organized by foreign agents I don't see how we can convince you how important this law is to stop these interference.

[@cracksomori6904]

Why it has to consider friendly and non friendly countries,treat everyone the same .why do you even want to get foreign money ...

[@junacebedo888]

I'm from the Philippines and I like that law. Reason: China could influence Filipino political party, social media influencer to to ve against anti China taking the west Philippine Sea

[@esense9602]

Meron ng NPA, tanggalin muna yung Makabayan bloc

[@kaladze93]

Philippines😂. You elected the son of a dictator who fled stealing a treasure from his own country. You don't need foreign influence, you are dumb enough to destroy yourselves on your own.

[@unknownperson-ts1bu]

Exactly, except this is actually an anti-western move from the Georgian government. The opposition proposed an alternative law which would explicitly state target countries (Russia & China) in line with similar French law, which was rejected by the ruling party...

[@GeorgeGzirishvili]

We already have such a law in Georgia. This bill is about restricting free speech by indiscriminately declaring everyone foreign agents, despite the nature of their work. Very similar to the Russian Foreign Agents law. Now for the question: Have you actually read the law? How do you know it's good? What's wrong with you is that you form opinions without proper research.

[@esense9602]

@@GeorgeGzirishvili the problem is Western media is hyping the protest to the point it was misunderstood by the people not watching the videos, just reading the title.

[@samcook159]

Protesting a law that reduces foreign influence? Yeh ok, we have the same law in the US and Brussels.

[@francesbernard2445]

I remember that one foreign 'agent' from Mexico who had a degree in accounting while running her own houskeeping business using non-toxic cleaning supply. She had to register here with a Visa while saying where she was from while being willing to hire people that others were not. I liked working for her. She spoke up for me. I don't see that law as being that problematic.

[@user-wc8cs4lu8p]

What is wrong with this law, it is only a disclosure? Libral hypocrites

[@herbh7893]

liberalism is only an argument to get support from the masses. Behind it, is good old imperialistic expansion.

[@GeorgeGzirishvili]

We already have a financial transparency law in Georgia. This bill is about restricting free speech by indiscriminately declaring everyone foreign agents, despite the nature of their work. Very similar to the Russian Foreign Agents law. Now for the question: Have you actually read the law? How do you know it's good? What's wrong with you is that you form opinions without proper research.

[@herbh7893]

@@GeorgeGzirishvili well, to be honest, not really any news tell more about the law than "people protest it" and "it requires foreign funding transparency and registration as foreign agents". And this seems like a totally normal and understandable law in any Western country. Many Western laws are even much stricter on foreign influence, explicitly prohibiting even some news media or fundings.

[@avijitmentor]

Open Society Foundation and similar organizations get hurt most with such laws. Weather it's India, Georgia or any other democratic country.

[@GeorgeGzirishvili]

And Russia doesn't, because they don't have NGOs, they have actual agents and spies.

[@cracksomori6904]

​@@GeorgeGzirishvili well the US with its CIA agents were the reason for tens of coups around the world. Russia with FSB couldn't even handle itself to prevent a terrorist attack and you're talking about agents and spies

[@MartinsKelmers777]

Gorgia is nid as helph! 🇱🇻🇬🇪🇺🇦🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@GeorgeGzirishvili]

Happy to see a Latvian friend here, in the comment section full of Kremlin trolls. We said the oath we won't back down and protect Georgia and its future.

[@cracksomori6904]

This rule has to be used in every country in that way

[@karandsouza6764]

There is nothing wrong in asking where you get your funding..it makes your customers know where your loyalty belongs

[@samuellopesbaule5745]

Absolutely!

[@GeorgeGzirishvili]

We already have a financial transparency law in Georgia. This bill is about restricting free speech by indiscriminately declaring everyone foreign agents, despite the nature of their work. Very similar to the Russian Foreign Agents law. Now for the question: Have you actually read the law? How do you know it's good? What's wrong with you is that you form opinions without proper research.

[@herbh7893]

Why is it that almost everywhere EU and US funding shows up, violent clashes start? (or even wars)

[@Gralinedeasa]

This good law..look st Ukraine sold off owes us.uk.imf..

[@KrishnadaskkuruvathKuruvath]

Think the idea originated from Turkey. Bec T is the no one trade partner of R. (Including weopon trade? Am not sure.).

[@KrishnadaskkuruvathKuruvath]

Funding is the another form of the word world bank debt. Think how they working in india. Check Any debate or opinions from indian bujis??

[@Truth--D]

So whats wrong with the Law? How does it affect the people of Georgia? Its a transparency law, gives visibility to everyone.

[@usmantariq7997]

Yeah I too don't understand what's wrong with the law. These news channels are not explaining it properly. Only a Georgian could tell us why they don't want it.

[@user-ih9wu4ie9n]

They don't want this law because 80% of Georgians at last independent poll know that like any law it can be miss used by soviet elements in the political establishment of there society to target those that support joining the Eu. And dont tell me about similar laws in the usa that were put in place to stop dictatorships like russia and china who throughout there entire history have never had democracy. From setting up communist cells, in so called funded friendship centers in university s across the west to steal technology information or anything else of value. The dictators of these countries have no morals or humanity and use the decency and laws of civilized countries against them while not abiding by any of them 😂

[@Evelyn85437]

@@usmantariq7997 The United States and Europe do not approve of such a law.Georgia wants to go to Europe. But this law is very good for the development of their country, Georgians want to work for a foreign country. It's all strange.

[@gobletfire7956]

I still don't understand why people are opposing it.

[@bediosoro7786]

The opposition is funded by EU and US to prevent any good relationship with Russia. So if the law is passed it will be transparent and everyone will see that all those riots are organized by foreign agents. And they cannot longer influence the public through corrupted politicians. For example the US and EU need NGO to prevent any government getting closer to Russia. and this law will pose a problem since the ruling class can just kick them out if they are unfriendly. That is why the EU and US called it controversial because it prevent them from doing soft regime change at will.

[@Sagardhingra87]

This law must be implemented in INDIA also.

[@gowthamanjaiganesh3210]

It is already there. We have FCRA act.

[@diadon5674]

We already have it

[@devaconsiouness]

Wonderful ,

[@user-de3en1ui7j]

ЛГБТ, однополые брак, сменить пола , дети не может, жаль народу братья СССР, с Казахстана

[@jaxz4986]

What's wrong with the Bill?

[@GeorgeGzirishvili]

We already have a financial transparency law in Georgia. This bill is about restricting free speech by indiscriminately declaring everyone foreign agents, despite the nature of their work. Very similar to the Russian Foreign Agents law.

[@travelexpert4901]

RSS and BJP have crossed all limits for the humanity and rights of Muslims and they believe in their freedom. Even when Babri Masjid was demolished 30 years ago with the support of RSS, Congress was the Prime Minister. That truth was forcefully exposed before the people. Then RSS got scared and Israel supported RSS, then prepared EVMs for our country's elections and RSS captured India. South India also recognised that reality. Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka. May God help us soon Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were also murdered under the same thinking. Gujarat riot case haired judge where? who kill him, who support the riot at the time of ruling Gujarat, We are public fool. God will punish them soon.Who did the serial killing related Gujarat riot case?? Who help for Gujarat diamond smugglers??BJP implimenting ISREAL made Aganda by RSS. Majority of Mideas are doing slave job for ISREAL zioninst through fraud political teams.😢

[@devaconsiouness]

You are a fool hiding behind a false name have the guts to put your real name.

[@avijitmentor]

If population of A*h* like you grow, any country will turn in to Ukraine or Syria.

[@felhomaly]

Do they refuse transparency, and do they want foreign agents? Interesting people.

[@herbh7893]

It is because they are poor. EU and US floods them with money, especially for media and political influence. And US and EU dont want this to be revealed, because it could potentially change public opinion AND make other countries aware, where they run similar schemes. And the local people just want money. Journalists, media, lobbyists and likely politicians fear for their funding, so they fearmonger and agitate to protest. The law stung into a hornets nest. But if they let it just be, the hornets nest would have grown and grown and grown...

[@GeorgeGzirishvili]

We already have a financial transparency law in Georgia. This bill is about restricting free speech by indiscriminately declaring everyone foreign agents, despite the nature of their work. Very similar to the Russian Foreign Agents law. Now for the question: Have you actually read the law? How do you know it's good? What's wrong with you is that you form opinions without proper research.

[@herbh7893]

@@GeorgeGzirishvili well, to be honest, not really any news tell more about the law than "people protest it" and "it requires foreign funding transparency and registration as foreign agents". And this seems like a totally normal and understandable law in any Western country. Many Western laws are even much stricter on foreign influence, explicitly prohibiting even some news media or fundings.

[@felhomaly]

@GeorgeGzirishvili As you can see, I ask only. I want to understand the situation. Now, is there discrimination of foreign agents? Are certain foreign agents allowed, and others aren't allowed?

[@LordLebu]

Remember what happened in 2008 😂😂

[@GeorgeGzirishvili]

Okay, Valodia.

[@jackiewhitehurst5600]

Your fake president biden is funding all this with our tax dollars. Do you still like him now?

[@HFDailyFeed]

i dont see a problem with the law...fill me up here? whats the problem if organizations need to be transparent on their funding??? it should prevent corruption or what am i missing?

[@bediosoro7786]

The problem is that the these NGOs fund are to push the population to follow the foreign agenda such as no close tie with Russia and do what US and EU wants regardless your interest. Generally they fund opposition party and anyone group that oppose to governments they do not like. now if the bill passed people involved in such activity will not be able to carry out those evils projects. They can no longer do regime change. So the protesters are either ignorant or foreign agents. the bill will reduce Russia influence why claiming that it will help Russia. The answer is because the West said Russia is bad so it is always Russia fault.

[@GeorgeGzirishvili]

Because you haven't read it. We already have a financial transparency law in Georgia. This bill is about restricting free speech by indiscriminately declaring everyone foreign agents, despite the nature of their work. Very similar to the Russian Foreign Agents law.

[@bediosoro7786]

@@GeorgeGzirishvili It is not about the nature of their work it is about the funding of their work good or bad if funding by external partner it is foreign agent because those external player pay for a given objective they want to achieve in the country. how is the bill different from the US foreign agent law. The bill is much similar to US foreign agent act. look for it and read it. the rioters are lying to you. using Rusophobia as a scapegoat

[@GeorgeGzirishvili]

@@bediosoro7786, it's about nature of the work. We have actual Russian agents in the country. Why are they able to do the damage to my country without any consequences? So Russian agents and spies operating freely isn't a problem but Netherlands funding some online news media which wouldn't survive otherwise is? Netherlands didn't invade my country, and they don't try to interfere in our politics like Russia does. Russophobia is a result of getting invaded by Russia, and 20% of my country is occupied by terrorussia. You can't reason or make deals with the terrorists, yet we have traitors who do. They'll pay for the treason.

[@GeorgeGzirishvili]

@@bediosoro7786, _"look for it and read it"_ I've read it, and I've also read FARA. How are they similar? Are you a moron? One is about every organization, the other is about lobbying. This draft law also doesn't distinguish between friendly countries like Germany or Netherlands and enemies like Russia. It also doesn't take account the nature of the work of the organizations.

[@silky3208]

💣Slawa Ukraina 🇺🇦

[@kmjsjeheh1417]

Yes FORY Nice 🇬🇪🇪🇺👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@meme3395]

Joining the EU means easy money. The problem is EU has no money left to give because of the Ukraine war.

[@GeorgeHadjicostas]

NOT TO EU LAWS

[@CaneMilosevski]

More provocative from the west day looking for nada war

[@GeorgeGzirishvili]

Okay, Vlad.

[@usmantariq7997]

I still don't get it, what's wrong with the law? They don't like it just because US and Russia has the same law? That's like saying if US has Freedom of Speech then we don't want Freedom of speech in our country. Does that make any sense?

[@rajudevasani4327]

Nothing wrong in this bill ...

[@user-ih9wu4ie9n]

This report from Russia's friend and cash cow India

[@lexluong8155]

American hypocrites.

[@segineseju464]

Who mentioned America in the report dumb

[@timanderson9894]

The west has no room to say anything. The governments consistantly violate the constitution's, laws, and rights of their own people. The west is no better than Russia or China.

[@siddharthdevachauhan7477]

This law is attacked by various hypocrite liberal lobbies

[@samuellopesbaule5745]

Actually if this law is not passed, then the Russians, which they want to fight against, is in advantage! Russia can fund their favorite candidate and win the elections! Ignorance 😂😂😂😂

[@siddharthdevachauhan7477]

@@samuellopesbaule5745 so you trying to say that western nations are very saint type in nature and their priority is providing freedom...what a joke

[@samuellopesbaule5745]

@@siddharthdevachauhan7477 I don't think you understood my idea. I was supporting your point of view when you say that "This law is attacked by various hypocrite...."! Of course you made a valid point!