Protests in Tbilisi over 'foreign agents' bill

SOURCE www.nbcnews.com
Two U.S. citizens and one Russian detained at protests in Tbilisi amid controversy over a 'foreign agents' bill, causing political crisis in Georgia.

Key Points

  • Two U.S. citizens and one Russian detained at protests in Tbilisi
  • Bill requires organisations with over 20% foreign funding to register as agents of foreign influence
  • Controversy over bill seen as key to Georgia's relations with the West and Russia

Pros

  • Enhancing transparency of NGO funding
  • Protecting country from outside interference

Cons

  • Critics view it as authoritarian and Russian-inspired
  • Risk of jeopardizing Georgia's integration with the EU