Georgians protest in Tbilisi over divisive draft law dubbed the foreign agent bill

"RESTRICTION SUMMARY: ASSOCIATED PRESS Tbilisi, Georgia - 28 April 2024 1. Various of protesters marching through street 2. Various of motorcyclists on road holding up Georgian and EU flags STORYLINE: Georgians took to the streets of the country's capital in droves on Sunday to protest a divisive draft law that would require media and non-commercial organizations to register as being under foreign influence if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad. Thousands rallied in the streets of capital Tbilisi waving Georgian and EU flags. Opponents say the proposal would obstruct Georgia’s long-sought prospects of joining the European Union. Critics have denounced it as a “the Russian law”, because Moscow uses similar legislation to stigmatize independent news media and organizations seen as being at odds with the Kremlin. In an online statement earlier this month, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell described the parliament’s move as “a very concerning development"" and warned that “the final adoption of this legislation would negatively impact Georgia’s progress on its EU path."" Although Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili would veto the law if it is passed by parliament in the third reading, the ruling party can override the veto by collecting 76 votes. Then the parliament speaker can sign it into law."