Brutality and controversy: Georgia's protests and foreign agents law
A security forces unit in Georgia brutally beat a detained protester. The man was subjected to a so-called "corridor," where he was kicked and beaten on his way to the police car.
The law on transparency of foreign influences, also known as the "foreign agents law," is causing numerous controversies in Georgia's capital. Its provisions are modelled after a similar law already in force in Russia.
It's worth noting that, under this law, the Russian government can, at its discretion, alter the working hours of specific organizations during "anti-terrorist and other" operations abroad. It may also prohibit companies from participating in public tenders.
There were at least 200,000 people, but throughout the day this number likely increased, approaching 300,000 - reported news service newsgeorgia.ge.
According to the "foreign agents" law, anyone under "foreign influence" can be designated a foreign agent. Those identified by authorities as "foreign agents" are prohibited from teaching in public educational institutions, engaging in state-funded activities, and participating in public procurement. The definition of "foreign influence" remains vague.
Police brutality. A suspect was beaten
Protests continued into Monday, but this time, the security forces in Georgia showed no mercy. About 20 people were detained, including foreigners.
A short video that surfaced on social media shows a unit of security forces in Georgia brutally beating a detained protester. He is then forced through the so-called "corridor," where he is kicked and beaten en route to the police car.
