Georgian Ambassador To France Quits In Protest Over 'Foreign Agent' Bill.
Georgia’s ambassador to France has resigned in protest against the so-called “foreign agent” bill, becoming the first senior official to do so amid ongoing protests.
In a posting on Facebook on May 9, Gotcha Javakhishvili said the proposed legislation, which has passed on two readings in parliament already, would steer Georgia away from further integration within Europe.
"The current tensions and climate generated by the revived draft law in our relations with our foreign friends and partners make my mission...extremely difficult," wrote Javakhishvili, who was appointed Georgian ambassador to France in 2022.
He said that while he did not personally know any Georgian officials or diplomats who were "openly pro-russian," he believed the draft law "may be a kind of tactic to achieve a certain goal."
“Georgian parliamentarians and government officials formally defend the bill as providing transparency, but they make no secret of its intended purpose,” said Hugh Williamson, the rights watchdog's Europe and Central Asia director. “By labeling independent groups and media as serving foreign interests, they intend to marginalize and stifle critical voices in the country that are fundamental for any functioning democracy.”
Weeks of protests against "the russian law" - legislation pushed by the ruling Georgian Dream party despite widespread anger from much of the country -- have been met with tough police actions to disperse crowds, while roving bands of thugs have targeted demonstrators.
"We are aware of increased reports of harassment and physical assault of civil society and opposition activists and journalists. We condemn this and we call for a full, independent, and timely investigation," U.S. State Department spokesperson Miller said.
The comments came as reports emerged that Ucha Abashidze, a military expert, blogger, and activist, was arrested at his home in Tbilisi, accused of illegally purchasing and storing weapons. As police searched Abashidze's home, a crowd gathered outside to protest. An unspecified number of arrests were reported.
While police is cracking down violently on protestors, Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri promised that the attacks by unidentified assailants on international relations specialist Gia Japaridze, activist Lasha Gvinianidze, and Dimitri Chikovani, a member of the National Movement opposition party, would be investigated fully and that he condemns "all kinds of attacks."
The tens of thousands of Georgians who have taken to the streets in Tbilisi and other cities faced violent reprisals by riot police, which included chemical spray and tear gas, water cannons, and the alleged use of rubber bullets on protesters and journalists which the government has denied. But several protesters have shown wounds consistent with those inflicted by such projectiles.
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