Georgian Opposition Vows More Protests As Government Withdraws Contentious Foreign Agent Bill After Days of Protests

 

Reuters: Georgian ruling party withdraws 'foreign agents' bill but faces more protests 

TBILISI (Reuters) - Georgia's ruling party said on Thursday it was dropping a bill on "foreign agents" after two nights of violent protests against what opponents said was a Russian-inspired authoritarian shift that imperilled hopes of the country joining the European Union. 

The Georgian Dream ruling party said in a statement it would "unconditionally withdraw the bill we supported, without any reservations". It cited the need to reduce "confrontation" in society, while also denouncing "lies" told about the bill by the "radical opposition". 

However, opposition leaders said the protests would resume at 7 p.m. (1500 GMT). Giga Lemonjava, a representative of the Droa party, said they were demanding that the government formally denounce the bill and release all those detained during the protests.  

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Georgian Opposition Vows More Protests As Government Withdraws Contentious Foreign Agent Bill After Days of Protests  

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Georgia ditches 'foreign agents' law after protests -- UPI  

Georgia Withdraws Foreign Agent Bill After Days of Protests -- Reuters