Georgia's President Salome Zourabichvili sees future of Europe at stake with divisive law | DW News

Thousands of people in Georgia have been taking to the streets for weeks, protesting a bill that could threaten media freedom - and even derail the country's hopes of joining the European Union. Protesters oppose what many have dubbed a "Russian law" - as Moscow uses similar legislation to curb independent news organisations and groups critical of the Kremlin. The European Union and the United States have urged Georgia to drop the legislation. But the country's prime minister has rejected US criticism, saying its meddling has fueled the sometimes-violent protests. DW spoke to Salome Zourabichvili, the President of Georgia, who says the problem is not just the Russian law itself, but the pro-Russian stance of Georgia’s current government.
00:00 Intro & Interview Salome Zourabichvili, Georgian President
#georgia #protests #tbilisi
Subscribe: kzbin.info...
For more news go to: www.dw.com/en/
Follow DW on social media:
►Facebook: / deutschewellenews
►Twitter: / dwnews
►Instagram: / dwnews
►Twitch: / dwnews_hangout
Für Videos in deutscher Sprache besuchen Sie: / dwdeutsch

[@esthermarcen7587]

Stay strong Georgia people, respect from Finland

[@SNOLWiN]

Please Finland open borders at least for russian opposition society

[@Clock_Man_2763]

Thank you Suomi 🇬🇪💖🇫🇮

[@henriikkak2091]

​@@SNOLWiN How do we differentiate them from the supporters of Putin and the g*nocidal war?

[@Jakedelus]

@@SNOLWiN we cant cause russia will push again illegal immigrants thru if we open it.

[@user-wg3jc1uo7i]

​@@SNOLWiNРоссии Финляндия нигде не сдолась.не открывайте границы нам так лучше

[@josepablomunozguerrero2548]

Stay strong Georgia 🇲🇽❤️🇬🇪

[@overpope3510]

​@@mrboxheadd748 Full capsluck surely is the sign of a insane mind.

[@UhtredOfBamburgh]

@@mrboxheadd748 Russians literally write "Z" on their tanks and mindlessly pour over the border like zombies

[@antoniorochaporto4150]

​@@overpope3510Como a tua, por exemplo, ...?

[@adamdaniel8909]

@@antoniorochaporto4150 he said full capslock...i dont see he/she is doing it...

[@GrifonXT]

Stay strong Georgia don't let foreign agents rule Georgia

[@saulruiz5811]

Our thoughts are with you Georgians! Stay strong! Libertad y Reforma. 🇲🇽🙌🇬🇪

[@anjafark]

We are all whatching and whishing the best for you. Stay strong, Georgia 🇪🇺🇩🇪🙏

[@iliadzirkvadze5477]

Thanks mate. We need this kind of support. So many Russia supporters today, it's fatiguing.

[@user-xt5yz8wm7z]

🤣🤣🤣🤡

[@universeslap]

Supporting Georgia's people and president! 🇪🇺🇬🇪🇸🇰✌️

[@picklethepirate]

I've yet to see a single argument why requiring NGOs to register where their money comes from is "pro-Russian". If these orgs are so pro-democracy, then surely it isn't a problem to reveal why transparency is a bad thing?

[@sanjaikumar369]

US has the same law. Then only Russia created such law. In India we are also controling foreign NGOs.

[@Awibrahor]

@@picklethepirate Pro-Russian trolls are always wilfully obtuse.

[@picklethepirate]

@@Awibrahor Okay, so prove it to the world! This is your chance to show me, an American who is somehow 'pro-Russian', why NGOs being required to disclose where their funding comes from is anti-democratic. Please, inform me!

[@heartpaid6767]

​@@picklethepirateusing brain cant be a bad thing, my advice to you.

[@Scrapper.]

President Salome is a beacon of freedom and democracy in Georgia, uncompromised, uncorrupted, courageous. Respect from Ireland. May she stay safe.

[@jossiesh7649]

She is a puppet of the EU. And DW is lying, the same law exists in the US.

[@anna45333]

No she isn't. Cause when 2/3ds of parliament decide for something it means the greatest majority of the PEOPLE wants it to happen. Cause this is democracy. What Salome does is DESPOTISM and is AGAINST DEMOCRACY. Also it's not a bad policy anyway to be VISIBLE these various "non profitable" organizations where are they getting funded from. Cause quite often behind those organizations are secret services of other countries hiding behind that do their machinations through these organizations against other states. Did you know btw that USA has already such a law in place from 1935? Why USA is ok to have it and the other countries not? You and your DOUBLE STANDARDS, you HYPOCRITES!

[@user-qh6if6yl6s]

Прячется за границей😄

[@magdatsiklauri7559]

@@user-qh6if6yl6sshe is in Georgia, and the only ppl who hide abroad are Russians - escaping the crazy Putler regime

[@voice.of.reason]

Joining the EU would be the end of freedom and democracy, just as you should know given the situation Ireland finds itself in

[@mrbaywatch21]

May Georgia gain true independence, Support from IL! 🇺🇸🇬🇪🇪🇺

[@Bryankips]

🇬🇪 New confrontation 🧲 new conflict

[@mrbaywatch21]

@@margaret-yr6uh they would be in partnership with the EU, as opposed to being just another puppet state like Belarus.

[@flopoz2575]

@@margaret-yr6uh Part of being independent is getting to chose your own allies. All EU member states are independent, because they joined the union out of their own free will, and they can leave whenever they want to (like UK did). Honestly, it is not rocket science to understand this. On the other hand, writting domestic law in Georgia by Moscow's dictate is NOT independence.

[@TriggaTrey361]

@@flopoz2575@flopoz2575 Moscow will continue to exert its influence until the people stand up to it. The Russian government has a history of using authoritarian tactics rather than peaceful negotiations.

[@flopoz2575]

@@margaret-yr6uh Why UK left is up to the people of UK. The important part is, they had the right to do it and no one in Brussles stopped them, which proves my point. On a side note I would add, that every single opinion poll in Britian today, shows that majority of voters think leaveing the EU was a mistake (in February 2024 55% of respondents said Britian was wrong to leave, against 34% saying leaving was the right decision), but they made their choice and now they have to live with it.

[@Music.make.free.]

თავისუფალ ქართველ ერს გაუმარჯოს!

[@giganadiradze]

🙏Guys as a Georgian 🇬🇪 - Thanks for your support, Your opinion and support is more than important to us❤️❤️‍🔥

[@PavelKahun]

Could you please explain to me how is this law pro Russian? NGOs and media that receive at least 20% funding from abroad need to register as peddling foreign influence . That would mean that those receiving funding from Russia would have to register as well. At least that is my understanding. I am from a small country and I don't want no foreign influence in our media. Be it Russian, American or anyone else's.

[@yoramgt]

They keep saying "The Russian Law", but never tell us what this law says.

[@iraklimgeladze5223]

How i understand, law is same as any other countries just difference is EU and US does not consider each other's money as foreigner influence. But Georgia consider all foreigner money as outside influence. Which I think is not bad law, but problem is law is not well defined and gives to much strength one aide of group in this case government.

[@vagabond919]

MULTIPOLAR is the core of the law

[@korttelipolliisi]

Georgia has gorgeous nature and great food! Peace and prosperity for Georgia!

[@louisxiiii]

Their traditional dances are magnificent also, graceful, athletic. The strength required for the men's dances is unbelievable.

[@maxpi311]

Support ❤ to Georgia 🇬🇪 Don’t give up

[@iliadzirkvadze5477]

Thanks mate

[@Polit_Burro]

LOL

[@skullsaintdead]

God bless this woman, stay strong Georgian protestors! The advantage of parliamentary democracies!

[@mavludaubaeva744]

Democracy not work in US, Democracy its war...

[@anna45333]

So you consider a good thing if secret services of foreign countries operate and undermine other states through these NGO organisations which are being funded by them so that they can operate under that veil? Cause this is what happens with most NGOs. Time to wake up IGNORANT!

[@skullsaintdead]

@@voice.of.reason Seems like she represents the will of the people, who want to join the EU. Maybe it is you who is misinformed or simply aggreived by Georgia's choice to move into the EU & improve their standards of living? I also note your prior anti-Ukraine pro-Russia comments, I wonder if you were a victim of Russian aggression & violence yourself, would you still support the Kremlin propeganda?

[@Numaaaaaa1]

@@voice.of.reason She's EU puppet because she listens to us??? 90% of Georgia's population want EU

[@natastudyN]

FAR from it. She pretends to object ruZZian servants ruling in Georgia as she knows that ruZZian puppets "dreamers" will overcome the veto. She MUST pardon Saakashvili, who created Georgia as a modern democratic state out of criminalized ruins of the USSR and built the basis for joining the EU, and BTW brought her from France and appointed as a minister, but Zourabishvili refused to pardon the national hero, as she doesn't dare to disobey the ruZZian order to jail Saakashvili.

[@PasiSivonen]

Stay Strong Georgia

[@timallison8560]

brave georgia! bravo freedom!

[@mrboxheadd748]

YOU KNOW THIS IS US LAW NOT A RUSSIAN ONE

[@chamarachan]

Another Zelensky.

[@LukaLuka-di5nd]

@@mrboxheadd748 and actually it is more tolerant and yet they call it russian 😂😂

[@nicohendriks3278]

Good for her. Much respect. 💪

[@anna45333]

So Ukraine wouldn't mind if NGOs funded by FSB would operate inside Ukraine creating "riots and destabilizing movements against Zelenski?

[@mrboxheadd748]

Foreign Agents Registration Act(FARA) US LAW FROM 1938 I GUESS SHE WANTS CENSORSHIP AND LIES TO FILL THE MINDS OF GEORGIANS

[@dennizzupacaldo1778]

My son and daughter been there in tiblisi as tourist they said georgian people are nice and city is clean we hope that georgia never go under russia law. Stay strong georgia from 🇵🇭

[@PhatimaMarotta-uh6vb]

Clean? In which part of Georgia they have been?

[@Ernesto-pk5tp]

Nice and clean. Maybe that's because of the Russian influence that has been there for centuries??? Been in much Western places recently where the people are nice and where it's clean??? Enough said...

[@filiushermesio]

@@PhatimaMarotta-uh6vb Yes it is clean, in which Georgia have you, yourself been to?

[@oleksandrbespalov9713]

@@Ernesto-pk5tp russian influence only brings dirt. You can see in in russia, where is not a single clean spot besides the red square. Just one enormous pile of trash from Baltics to Pacific.

[@Dragases6894]

Sweetie Why would Georgia become integrated into Russia ?

[@muricans4ukraine]

How fascinating to see protesters who understand their cause. Also, it's good to see a strong leader who expresses herself so well in a foreign language.

[@amctothemoon9417]

this is a PRE-WAR situation going on LOOK for a Second Front on Russia from this area. USA Has a Harsher NGO Law Foreign Agent Law in 1938 and still uses. so Why the Protests and WHAT is USA/EU/NATO HIDING FOLKS? WAKE UP.

[@aumelb]

By "understanding their cause", you mean "a cause that I approve of".

[@muricans4ukraine]

@@aumelb I mean in contrast to those who decry genocide while chanting for genocide.

[@Ozzz11123]

is there any logic in supporting a law demanded by a dictatorship? any whatsoever? even a little reason?

[@brazendesigns]

@@aumelbhow many rubles did you get for that comment?

[@unusualsuspect4043]

We shall never surrender!

[@RichardFrelich-xo6rh]

STAY STRONG GEORGIA! AND UKRAINE!❤❤❤

[@PhatimaMarotta-uh6vb]

Does ukraine is strong now? That is what you wish to Georgia?

[@scryptum]

Each time they want to create caos they put a woman: EU, Italy, Finland, Moldova and Georgia! 😅

[@YssaRee]

🎉! Slam dunk: Madam President will veto it anyway... I only hope there's no legal way around her veto power! Stay strong 🇬🇪! ❤🇪🇺

[@mariamivanidze9116]

Unfortunately they only need 76 votes out of 150 to override the veto. They have at least 83 :( its on us, the population only and the young generation is very angry

[@rathersane]

@@mariamivanidze9116It’s kind of strange that a veto can be overridden by a simple majority, but I looked it up and it’s true. I suppose the President can still use her veto power to show the people what she would do were she to become the Prime Minister, so there’s that, I guess…

[@picklethepirate]

@@mariamivanidze9116 I've been trying to understand how requiring NGOs to disclose where they get their funding from is a bad thing. No one is willing to explain why transparency is suddenly 'pro-Russian'. If you're from Georgia, can you tell me why you are opposed to knowing if a foreign country is funding an organization?

[@borisponomarev6504]

@@picklethepirateit is easy to understand why it is a bad law , labeling unwanted organizations is the first step to adapt other laws not permitting those organizations to be part of social and political life of the country ( to shut them up ). Russia did demonstrate that, don’t be blind !

[@picklethepirate]

@@borisponomarev6504 someone else explained to me how Georgia already has a law requiring NGOs to disclose their financial info, so I can see why people are suspicious of a new law thaf ostensibly does the same thing. However, I'm very suspicious of Western NGOs, given their track record of interfering with foreign governments who aren't willing to subscribe to their worldview (and to populations that vote 'incorrectly' - like Chile or Brazil during the Cold War).

[@user-fi6xy1ji8l]

Georgia being in European Union is a good choice

[@yellow01umrella]

Not without Russian approval

[@user-fi6xy1ji8l]

@@yellow01umrella without russian approval. just like finland and sweden

[@yellow01umrella]

@@user-fi6xy1ji8l Just like Georgia 2008 lol. Russia had no problems with Sweden and Finland they already have East Karelia. No NATO for Georgia Armenia Moldova and Ukraine.

[@MovieGuy808]

@@yellow01umrellaRussia has no say in the matter. Georgia and Ukraine are independent nations and can choose their own path. 🇬🇪🇺🇦

[@TriggaTrey361]

@@MovieGuy808 Russians still believe they can exert control over other countries, reminiscent of the Soviet Union era they want restored.

[@AmberyTear]

Respect to Georgian president and her people!

[@Polit_Burro]

LOL cope LOL

[@GrifonXT]

She is just another CIA Puppet

[@TheNextCubed]

This is one of the most beautiful protests I've seen. Stay strong Georgia! Keep singing your freedom songs! Georgia is Europe!

[@mrboxheadd748]

YEAH BECAUSE CENSORING WHERE THE MONEY IS COMING FROM IS NOT IMPORATANT SOMEHOW VERY SMART OF THEM.........................NOT!

[@ecoelegant12]

Oh indeed it is - very unique protests even for Georgia , which has long and rich practice) The lovely, unbelieveble, happiest days.

[@antoniop570]

Nuland cookies are coming...

[@glennbateman4483]

​@@mrboxheadd748you must be on double time Botskova

[@mrboxheadd748]

@@glennbateman4483 WELL YOU MUST BE ON TRIPLE SHIFTS

[@champalaunepatrice8202]

Thanks from France to the Georgian President

[@jossiesh7649]

Mind your own business

[@PhatimaMarotta-uh6vb]

Take care you own problems...

[@natastudyN]

She MUST pardon Saakashvili, who created Georgia as a modern democratic state out of criminalized ruins of the USSR and built the basis for joining the EU, and BTW brought her from France and appointed as a minister, but Zourabishvili refused to pardon the national hero, as she doesn't dare to disobey the ruZZian order to jail Saakashvili.

[@enedifanovaha7713]

France will be in Ukraine soon

[@Noni448]

Ignore the Russian bots 😂

[@user-xp2tz1wj8k]

HELLO FROM SYDNEY,RESPECT!!!!!!!! STAY STRONG, GEORGIA❤🎉😊!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@innakhassaia107]

Glory to Georgia! 🇬🇪🇬🇪🇺🇦🇺🇦

[@chamarachan]

Be under control of USA.

[@ElwoodBluesAK]

Don't put my nation's flag next to that evil anti-orthodox flag

[@Aller50]

Now is your time to break free from the Russian yoke Georgia. I hope to see you in Europe soon.

[@aleonyohan6745]

Love to the Georgian people and their amazing president. Stay strong. The fight for freedom isn't easy. Young people protesting against what is wrong even here in the USA. It's the future of a just world they fight for.

[@baciandstella4313]

West needs to provide full support to Georgia and Armenia before they are swallowed by Russia.

[@mrboxheadd748]

THE WEST IS USING RUSSIA AS A BOGEYMAN TO GET WHAT THEY WANT

[@aniharutyunyan]

true actual support. these countries cannot get out of Russian influence alone, and they are already paying a huge price for daring to get out.

[@mrboxheadd748]

@@aniharutyunyan THE EU IS A SINKING SHIP WANT GEORGIA TO CENSOR WHERE THE MONEY COMES FROM

[@voice.of.reason]

No they don't we are wasting enough tax money on Ukraine as it is

[@buckbenelli8]

⁠@@voice.of.reasonno we waste money on red states and fema. Hurricanes destroy , the north pays to rebuild.

[@siemdecleyn3198]

Our thoughts are with you 🇧🇪🤝🇬🇪🤝🇪🇺

[@Awibrahor]

While everyone’s eyes are on the Russian threat to Ukraine and potentially to the Baltics, our attention must not be diverted from Georgia. დიდება საქართველოს

[@user-wj5sc4iz6c]

If you’re looking at NATO countries, as if they are threatened by Russia, your attention is down the toilet already.

[@PavelKahun]

Could someone please explain to me how is this law pro Russian? NGOs and media that receive at least 20% funding from abroad need to register as peddling foreign influence . That would mean that those receiving funding from Russia would have to register as well. I mean, I am from a small country and I don't want no foreign influence in our media. Be it Russian, American or anyone else's.

[@AzrenKaleBolles-Pohja]

Great job People of Georgia, Keep Fighting for your Freedom.

[@alessiocallegari1924]

Support to Georgia from Italy. Stay strong, georgians 🙏🇮🇹💪🇪🇺

[@susannewilliamsson8339]

PLEASE stay strong, we will be at your side every step of the way...... Respect from Sweden.

[@ecoelegant12]

Thank you for Your kind words, much appreciated..

[@mumu8727]

@susannewilliamsson8339 vet du ens vad det är hon skall lägga in veto mot och vad protesterna handlar om eller får du betalt för att skriva?

[@susannewilliamsson8339]

@@mumu8727 jodå jag vet, och jag kan inte ens förstå vem som skulle betala mig för att skriva.... Har du ens varit i Ukraina sedan den fullskaliga invasionen? Det har jag, tre gånger, så jag förstår mer än väl....

[@mumu8727]

@susannewilliamsson8339 nej du har ingen aning om vad du stödjer. Förklara varför det är bra att organisationer skall kunna bli finansierade av främmande makt utan att behöva redovisa det? Demokrati innebär yttrandefrihet och transparens. Du är emot en av demokratins fundamentala grundprinciper. Du får givetvis uttala dig ändå, men du framstår inte särskilt klipsk. Ett tips är att kolla upp vem som finansierar propagandan du konsumerar, det kommer få dig att tänka annorlunda, och det är det som dom vill hindra.

[@mumu8727]

@susannewilliamsson8339 Dom raderar mina svar. . I en demokrati har man yttrandefrihet och transparens, det är hörnstenarna.. Om du stödjer iden att främmande makter skall kunna finansiera politiska organisationer utan att någon skall behöva berätta det. Då stödjer du ideer som är odemokratiska. Är du helt säger på att du är emot demokrati?

[@javanava8925]

Support for Georgia! 🇪🇺🇭🇷🇭🇷🇬🇪🇬🇪

[@andyhurrell]

Maidan comes to Georgia, but perhaps the President can save her county. She needs to be wary of open windows and invitations to drink tea.

[@Akenfelds1]

I fear for her safety. She is an honest president fighting a bunch of Kremlin Mafia thugs.

[@catalincarceanu7991]

or US paid snippers

[@rathersane]

True courage often comes with peril, after all.

[@carlosacta8726]

Or maybe she should be to be wary of open windows and visits by the US State Dept...?

[@oakhauser]

It might easilty turn into a Hong Kong-like situation

[@SNOLWiN]

Thank you for your video! Georgia country future is only located in Europe and NATO as well as Armenia and Moldova! Спасибо за видео!

[@narharisingh192]

Georgia is neither in Europe nor is it a North Atlantic country. Its future lies with Russia and central Asia.

[@bereketdamtew7766]

Also Russia, China, Venezuela,... But they have work on their fascism 1st be be on par with Germany and France.

[@LathropLdST]

​@@bereketdamtew7766you gave me a migraine. This comment is unreadable nonsense.

[@bereketdamtew7766]

@@LathropLdST that's why you cared to reply.

[@Ambient_Scenes]

Respect to this brave Mrs. President of Georgia. She is standing up for her people. A true leader.

[@mariafoster7388]

Stay strong and free Georgia

[@neilsyres8147]

Stand with Georgia! 🇬🇪

[@NotUnymous]

Stop them and the vote them out next time. Stay peacefull, stay strong ❤️🇬🇪🇩🇪🇪🇺

[@tigransuqiasyan4839]

🇦🇲✨✊✨🇬🇪✨✊🇪🇺GREAT

[@Stan732]

Respect to Mme president from Canada.

[@jorgepino6901]

Don't give up to fight for FREEDOM. UE is waiting for your integration. Greetings from 🇵🇹 Portugal. 🇪🇺🇪🇺🇬🇪🇪🇺🇪🇺

[@voice.of.reason]

Joining the EU would see the proud Georgians ruled from Brussels, they don't seem to see that, they won't be able to elect or remove EU commissioners, the end of democracy in Georgia ruled by a foreign power

[@jorgepino6901]

@@voice.of.reason LOL, LOL, LOL you don't know definitively about democracy in the EU you just speculate without basis. As for the Georgians, they know what they are doing, don't worry, they have all the legitimacy and freedom of choice and this assumption must be respected.

[@yetao5801]

Stay strong, Georgian government. The international community is standing behind your independence.

[@natastudyN]

Get your facts checked! The Georgian government is the servant of putleruZZia helping it to overcome sanctions and supply sanctioned components for the production of weapons against Ukraine.

[@matthiasvanrhijn280]

This is a brave president! GOD bless and protect her! ❤❤❤

[@natastudyN]

Pretense, but in reality, she is the same servant of putleruZZia, as the rest of the Georgian government.

[@GrifonXT]

@@natastudyN she acts like she is a CIA puppet

[@Riconald]

Those politicians understand the security for Georgia.❤❤❤❤

[@voice.of.reason]

Joining the EU would see the proud Georgians ruled from Brussels, they don't seem to see that, they won't be able to elect or remove EU commissioners, the end of democracy in Georgia ruled by a foreign power

[@mirkoritter1976]

Stay strong! Love from Germany

[@chisaki703]

European future for Georgia❤️🇬🇪🇪🇺

[@scorburosugrosu6344]

Clearly no clues to what is going on, how can you protest for a law that offers more independence ?

[@wario239]

Госпожа президент, я не спец в политике и не очень хороший советчик, но считаю необходимым напомнить, что партия Грузинская мечта-это рука Путина, эту руку надо отрубить как можно быстрее, и да прибудет с вами сила и решительность. Судьба Грузии в ваших руках

[@Manana131]

Thank you, Madam President ❤

[@mmca2622]

You're extremely brave, Madame President. Respect. From the U.S.

[@leonardoschiavelli6478]

The only trouble in Georgia is called Ivanishvili, and needs to be expelled asap. 🇬🇪🤝🇪🇺

[@ingapevzner3002]

Salome needs to be expelled

[@telebubba5527]

Indeed. Ivanishvili is a foreign agent himself. He has had at least until recently several businesses in Russia. He still might have them or put them in a construction where it seems as if he has nothing to do with them anymore. He is clearly a double talker.

[@ingapevzner3002]

@@telebubba5527 you are mistaken him with Saakashvili,who is real foreign agent,to be correct he was USA puppet 😂😂😂

[@ryanthreesix]

@@ingapevzner3002 ჩაგიჯვით ტროლფერმაში მანონი დეიდა

[@ingapevzner3002]

@@ryanthreesix degenerato kartveli var Tbilisidan!..

[@HOPEfullBoi01]

We'll get through these hardships 🇪🇺 🇬🇪 🇹🇷 🇲🇩

[@vasilimacharadze139]

They managed to demolish all the reasonable opposition (same tactics as in Russia), and the only hope remains on the president. But unfortunately she is also pretty much deprived of any political power. But what I could say for sure is that georgians will newer subject themselves to any oppressive power, specially imposed from Russia (long culture of resistance)

[@wamnicho]

Like as if western countries are free 😂

[@yellow01umrella]

Georgia don't have much choice really either stay neutral or get invaded.

[@jptrainor]

How is the president "deprived of any political power"? The president has a well defined political role. No deprevatiion, no elevation.

[@mierypesado6740]

@@crushnevnikita8575 I'm sure you believe the 'elections' of Putin, Jingping and Erdogan are as democratic as an election in Sweden or New Zealand?

[@vasilimacharadze139]

@@wamnicho you mean in comparison to russia?

[@logosfabula]

Amazing interview!

[@crisdangerous1]

1 NGO per 148 citizens? The Georgians are bless with so much “non goverment”.

[@iraklimgeladze5223]

What you mean?

[@darkoberno]

Wish them all the luck and wisdom. ❤

[@maharajamumbai1762]

Oligarch Iwanishvili must go in jail. He thinks he owns the hole country 😠

[@andydeeeu]

We are waiting for you in the 🇪🇺!

[@markojuric4954]

And where are you . . . :)

[@Sekou156]

Where are you u ? American pocket?

[@chrislambaa7586]

​@@Sekou156did you get your feelings hurt?

[@RangKlos]

Lol

[@voice.of.reason]

Joining the EU would be a disaster for Georgia. This law is just normal, they have the same law in the USA. It protects Georgia against foreign influence, *including* from Russia. This president is just a puppet of the EU. Joining the EU will see proud Georgians lose their democracy and be ruled by a foreign unelected power in Brussels. When Georgians wake up to what the EU is, they will be burning those EU flags they like to wave around. These protesters many of them are planted there by the EU and it's opinion buying money all over the media - it always does this.

[@Circassiangurl2002]

You go girl! საქართველო ძალა!!! ❤❤❤

[@CattleFarmer667]

Why call this Russian law but not US Law, UK law, HK law or China law? Most countries has similar law

[@merlin3751]

Because this law was not asked by US,UK,HK nor china but rather by Russia so its only logical to be called russian law.

[@voice.of.reason]

Joining the EU would be a disaster for Georgia. This law is just normal, they have the same law in the USA. It protects Georgia against foreign influence, *including* from Russia. This president is just a puppet of the EU. Joining the EU will see proud Georgians lose their democracy and be ruled by a foreign unelected power in Brussels. When Georgians wake up to what the EU is, they will be burning those EU flags they like to wave around. These protesters many of them are planted there by the EU and it's opinion buying money all over the media - it always does this.

[@salomekhurtsilava7062]

As a Georgian it is so nice to hear such supportive words from all over the world. Thank you to all of you and No to Russian Law and yes to Europe 🇬🇪❤🇪🇺

[@greatman5836]

Don't be brainwashed

[@maria_D111]

All support for strong Georgian people!

[@timelston4260]

Supporting Georgian freedom from the USA! I'm thankful for your President and protesters. Here's to victory in the October election!

[@MissCheeseE]

The law is based on a US law, in case you didn’t know.

[@timelston4260]

@@MissCheeseE Freedom of the press in the US is guaranteed by the First Amendment: "Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press." The proposed Dream Party law is like Russian law, which suppresses freedom of the press, not like the FARA law in the US, where press freedom is Constitutionally guaranteed.

[@scotsmanofnewengland7713]

Stay strong Georgia. Peace and Democracy will be your guiding light. America and the Free Nations welcome you !!!

[@michelletoni3067]

We love you people in Georgia 🇬🇪 WOW, This is awesome & U have our support 👍

[@kwtinternational4451]

Stay safe but be careful

[@enigmatic323]

Fight on Georgians, Armenians are with you! Hope our countries will join EU and become part of the family of civilized societies!

[@artje90]

asking Georgia to be part of the EU is like asking El Salvador being part of the USA. makes no sense. but then again Americans are not known for their geographic knowlegde

[@Atimatimukti]

Stay strong, sending love and energy to the brave people of Georgia. Most respect and admiration from Portugal

[@MonikaHofmannHagen]

Respect and my full support from Switzerland.

[@SebCityLife1312]

❤❤❤❤ stay strong

[@BennyChin]

The situation in Georgia bears extremely close resemblance to Hong Kong in 2019, hoping the outcome will be different.

[@jptrainor]

Hong Kong was never its own country.

[@TriggaTrey361]

@@jptrainor It had independence, but unfortunately, it was invaded by communists and stripped of its democracy.

[@jptrainor]

@@TriggaTrey361 Georgia has been sovereign since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

[@jptrainor]

@@TriggaTrey361 If you were referring to Hong Kong, it was transferred from Britian back to China in 1997.

[@TriggaTrey361]

@@jptrainor@jptrainor, does that change the fact that a communist regime came in and took over a democratic Hong Kong?

[@migzzy0222]

These politicians are receiving from Russia.

[@TriggaTrey361]

Just like all the politicians under Russian influence, it's why we have so many Russian secrets.

[@wiliamdubois5037]

@migzzy tu crois sue les manifestants et leurs ONG ne recoivent rien des Etats Unis.. Zelenski, Navalny.. tous sont subventionnes par les anglo saxons...

[@jackbart1960]

Thank you President Salome Zourabichvili

[@danielbraesch6331]

You defeated the persians and overcome Mongol-occupation. Georgia will survive. Stay strong Georgia! ☦️✝️🇬🇪🤝🇸🇪🤝🇺🇦

[@najibalwan61]

The Russians kickednthem out.

[@ecoelegant12]

@@najibalwan61 Yup.Mongols were cicked by RUssia) Clever guy. Russians are partly mongols. FYI. Russians came after Goergia's entire devastation. Because they signed to, but didn't help.

[@yomajo]

Can arliament elections help in October, georgians?

[@rogermelius]

Yes please keep the DARK MONEY in politics & in their NGOs. They don’t know need to know who are bribing their politicians. Never mind that European countries & the United States has the same law on the books.

[@TriggaTrey361]

Russian lap dog spotted.

[@corenwalts]

Georgia's situation is different. Our government is ruled by an oligarch who is a puppet of Russia. SO they're the dark force in this case. Idk about other European countries and The US, but at least, they have an acceptable form of this law on the paper, not the Russian copy-paste version.

[@vitapavacllp999]

See USA The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) was enacted in 1938.

[@delta_glider4362]

So we wouldn't know whos paycheck this pres on 😆Saaky about to get inmate it seems

[@oops5697]

​@@TriggaTrey361nope. It's an opinion. Learn. We don't like russia, we love this law. We exist, learn to respect opinions. Do not label others.

[@hazwan1988]

The thing is, she didnt have a veto against parliament in the Georgian constitution, that will mean a tyrant or dictatorship. She can only refuse to sign for a while and send it back for revision but even that got limits. Her tenure is also not long anymore so the next president would have to sign it if she daddle.

[@voice.of.reason]

Shes an EU puppet a WEF fan - not good for Georgia

[@natastudyN]

She could and MUST pardon Saakashvili, who created Georgia as a modern democratic state out of criminalized ruins of the USSR and built the basis for joining the EU, and BTW brought her from France and appointed as a minister, but Zourabishvili refused to pardon the national hero, as she doesn't dare to disobey the ruZZian order to jail Saakashvili.

[@ssir5927]

One has to wonder why the west is so opposed to a bill that would shed light on who funds organizations and lobbyists. Why is the west so opposed to transparency? This law is sorely needed in the US as well...

[@dracoboomin6511]

USA already has the same law, but only geared towards foreign funding.

[@ssir5927]

@@dracoboomin6511 Unless its AIPAC...

[@katiakohl4653]

Respect to Georgian people. ✊And this president can’t even release Saakachvili, not sure she can do anything… 🥴

[@TriggaTrey361]

she has the power to veto as president.

[@georgios1476]

Although it's an utter disgrace to have the president imprisoned, Saakashvili was a bloody tyrant and most Georgians don't think he deserves to be released. The main reason why such an awful party (meaning the Georgian Dream) was elected for the third time in a row was a Georgian's fear of returning Saakashvili's regime.

[@user-is3pb4hb5h]

My heart & soul are with the beautiful free people of Georgia : Peace love & light to you all ! suntreader ( uk )

[@tylerdurden5191]

Than you all for your kind regards and support in the comments! Georgian nation has huge culture and educated youth, which means a strong foundation for our bright future. we will fight till we win ! you do not know what it is to be neighbor to russia, worst nightmare. regressive state with slave minded people that are insecure and we all know insecurity plus power is not a good mix. pray for Georgia, hope to see you soon in EU.

[@anna45333]

Why USA HAS IMPLIED SUCH A LAW THEN already from 1935? Why USA CAN HAVE IT and the other countrys shouldn't? Always with your double standards in everything you HYPOCRITES!

[@icu17siberia]

if you read the law, you'd know. better question...why is Russia using US as an example instead of itself?

[@anna45333]

@@icu17siberia Cause it is USA powers that are against the passing of this law in Georgia. And really. Where is your problem with this law? Isn't it better to have full transparency to how the NGOs are being funded? But of course the West doesn't like this law when is implemented to other countries cause it's themselves that they operate through NGOs and through them are able to push narratives or organize riots and generally destabilize other countries if they don;t do as told by them. So i used the USA example since it;s the USA that operates in Georgia through such NGOs

[@AchyutChaudhary]

*They have elections coming up in 5 months - so how come the ruling party is behaving so against the public interest rather than appeasing them in this period??* 🤔

[@laurencelockwood6209]

Planning on rigging the election perhaps?

[@wamnicho]

I can guarantee you, the people protesting on the streets are probable like 2 percent of the entire population

[@narharisingh192]

Because this law is good for Georgia.

[@seymurnovruzov1016]

don't believe international tv channels and a few thousand people in the streets. The ruling party does exactly what a majority of the Georgian population wants

[@corenwalts]

@@narharisingh192 No! That's the biggest lie, and you know it lol Our government does this because they have direct orders from Russia. This party's founder is an oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, who has made his whole wealth in Russia and has close ties with Kremlin. I mean, it's painfully obvious why they're doing this.

[@PasiSivonen]

Thanks see you

[@warrenwalker8170]

we are with your freedom

[@newworlddisorder776]

nuland's cookies are near by

[@elbibwen3019]

US have exactly The Same Law

[@icu17siberia]

you should read the US law, then read what Russia is pushing in Georgia

[@powertechnical]

How is the president and the government different?

[@TomD67]

I fear for this courageous woman, and I am grateful for her strength.

[@Korpen_1979]

A free Georgia and a free Ukraine is the most important thing for us to support and help them with all they need and all we can. dideba sakartvelos - slava ukraini

[@enta2]

Georgia had "Maidan" in the 90s. Inform yourself better 🤣use google

[@steveschwartz9771]

Don't give up, we stand with you! (U.S.A.)

[@johanklytseroff2543]

All support to Georgian people from Sweden!

[@burnadze]

Parliament can surpass presidental veto. If the law is to be vetoed, it has to be returned to the legislative branch with motivation letter. Parliament then can simply denounce the letter, revote the law with chairman putting the signature instead of the president

[@corenwalts]

Yes, but I hope we as Georgians will keep on protesting. Government is scared too, and we can't back down now

[@TriggaTrey361]

Why would they do that to be controlled by Russia? When you have your own nation to protect, Russia has Russia's best interest, not the Georgians people's.

[@burnadze]

@@TriggaTrey361 There's nothing russian about the law. I have personally read it. All it is about, is that if you are an ngo, that has nothing to do with sport, health or education and get more than 20% of your revenue sponsored from abroad, you gota tell who sponsors you and for what reason. It was artificially labeled as "russian" law by ngo and their overlords, because it threatens their influence and activity.

[@burnadze]

@@corenwalts I am Georgian and i am not protesting and i do not want the law taken down. Brainwashed students, that are lifeless and go for protests in the streets during the exam week just because someone told them law is "russian" without any argumentation, tells a lot about what they really care about in life

[@voice.of.reason]

@@burnadze And also because the EU doesn't like anything that will tell a member state that it is not 100% controlled by a foreign power. Joining the EU will see proud Georgians lose their democracy and be ruled by a foreign unelected power in Brussels. When Georgians wake up to what the EU is, they will be burning those EU flags they like to wave around. These protesters many of them are planted there by the EU and it's opinion buying money all over the media - it always does this.

[@peterjenner5431]

Does the United States have the law exactly like this in their country?

[@happymelon7129]

Georgia has the rights to defend/protect itself. Georgia copy the law of European Union country and the United States. But the European Union country and the United States criticize Georgia ? evi1 ... U$A just passed a bill more then this.. USA is the police state??? Almost like Russia ? N.Korea ? The U.S just passed a bill making any criticism of Israel no matter how minor a hate crime. You will see this as a very bad thing...

[@icu17siberia]

If you read the actual laws, they are different, just similar names. Russia really wants this law to pass. If you read, you'll see why

[@RichardFrelich-xo6rh]

Herzliche Grüße für Prezydent Salome Zourabichvili ❤❤❤❤❤

[@someguyfromarcticfreezer6854]

Moving parts are low, but moving is not forgotten. The only decisions can be done in those who moving, not where breeze that come from.