Georgia approves controversial ‘foreign agent’ law, sparking more protests

Georgia’s parliament has voted through a divisive “foreign agent” law that has sparked weeks of mass street protests.

However, the bill now faces a likely veto by Georgia’s president, which the parliament in Tbilisi can override by holding an additional vote.

Critics say the bill – which they call the “Russia law” – could be used to threaten civil liberties.

After the vote, protesters tried to enter the parliament while crowds also shut down a major intersection

Under the bill – which passed its third and final reading with 84 votes against 30 on Tuesday – NGOs and independent media that receive more than 20% of their funding from foreign donors would have to register as organisations “bearing the interests of a foreign power”.

They would also be monitored by the Justice Ministry and could be forced to share sensitive information – or face hefty fines of up to 25,000 GEL ($9,400; £7,500).

Read more: BBC News