Protests erupt in Georgia over foreign agent law, opposition leader allegedly assaulted by police

On the night of May 1, Georgian police moved to disperse a large demonstration opposing the adoption of the "Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence," which the opposition likened to Russia's foreign agent law.

Protesters erected barricades around the parliament, leading to hours-long confrontations with the police. Authorities used water cannons and tear gas and eventually withdrew from Rustaveli Avenue by morning.

Opposition politicians, including Levan Khabeishvili, head of Georgia's largest opposition party, the United National Movement, and Aleko Elisashvili, leader of the Citizens political association, were among those reportedly beaten by police.

The law in question mirrors Russia's foreign agent legislation, requiring organizations receiving over 20% of their funding from abroad to register as representing foreign interests or face a fine of GEL 25,000 (approximately $9,400).