Violence in Georgia

Opposition leader attacks government member

(Bild: krone.tv)

On Monday, the debate over a controversial draft law on the registration of "foreign influence" reached its climax in the Georgian parliament. In the video footage below, a politician from the ruling Georgian Dream party can be seen defending the bill before being attacked by opposition politician Aleko Elisashvili.

A fierce brawl broke out in the Georgian parliament on Monday as heated discussions took place over a law that some saw as Russian. The controversial law requires media and non-commercial organizations that receive more than 20 percent of their budget from abroad to register as being under "foreign influence".

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside parliament during the debate in the Legal Affairs Committee. During a speech by MP Alexander Elisahsivili, Mamuka Mdinaradze, the leader of the Georgian Dream Party faction, was punched in the face.

Elisahsivili accused Mdinaradze of being pro-Russian. As both fell from the podium, they were surrounded by others and attempts were made to restrain the attacking MP. Further footage showed politicians in suits taking part in the brawl, while others tried to calm the situation.

Thethug's statement
Elisashvili angrily told reporters after the incident outside the building: "I was beaten, but if it's for Georgia, then so be it! We have to shove this law up their asses. There's no time for civility." He clenched his fist in front of a cheering crowd. "They're dragging us straight to Russia. We are either Georgians or slaves - and we are not slaves." Opponents of the law brand it "the Russian law" because it bears similarities to legislation Russia uses to stigmatize independent news media and organizations that oppose the Kremlin.

They also argue that passing the law would hinder Georgia's aspirations to join the European Union, despite the country being granted long-awaited candidate status last year. The proposed law is similar to one that the ruling Georgian Dream party had to withdraw a year ago after massive street protests.