In Georgia's assembly on Monday, chaos erupted as members of parliament clashed over a controversial law regarding the transparency of foreign influence. The bill, which has drawn widespread criticism and comparisons to authoritarian measures in neighboring Russia, would require NGOs and media outlets receiving significant foreign funding to register as "organizations serving the interests of a foreign power" or face fines.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze defended the law as necessary for financial transparency, but opposition members expressed concerns about its implications for Georgian sovereignty and EU aspirations.
Tensions boiled over during the parliamentary debate when opposition MP Aleko Elisashvili punched ruling party leader Mamuka Mdinaradze in the face, sparking a brawl.
The incident unfolded amidst ongoing protests in Tbilisi demanding the withdrawal of the bill, highlighting the deep divisions and intense public scrutiny surrounding the legislation.
