Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Shalva Papuashvili has threatened to crack down on protesters and announced plans to create a database of people “involved in or endorsing violence, illegal activities, threats and intimidation.”
The database will be published online to name and shame those accused of crimes. Critics see this as another move to discredit government opponents.
Georgia Dream did not respond to repeated requests for comment.
On Tuesday, when Georgia’s parliament voted 84 to 30 in favor of the bill, thousands of people gathered outside the legislature in central Tbilisi, ending the proceedings with whistles, vuvuzelas and banging of pots and pans. Riot police dispersed the crowd with water cannons and sonic weapons. Authorities have fired tear gas at peaceful protesters, arrested dozens of people and been accused of beating detainees.
At the edge of the rally, several men dressed in black and wearing masks approached journalists and bystanders and took photos with the intention of threatening attendees. POLITICO asked him to identify himself and explain his position on the debate, but he remained silent and continued to take photos of attendees.
Georgian Dream has received warnings from its US and EU partners that the adoption of the bill will harm Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
Assistant Secretary of State Jim O’Brien warned of potential sanctions after Tuesday’s vote.
“If laws run counter to EU norms, if democracy here is undermined and violence against peaceful protesters is committed, we will see restrictions imposed in the United States. These tend to be financial and travel restrictions for individuals. “We are responsible for these actions and their families.”
