On Monday, the debate on a controversial bill on the registration of “foreign influence” reached its climax in the Georgian parliament. The following video footage shows a politician from the ruling Georgian Dream party defending the draft before being attacked by opposition politician Aleko Elisashvili.
A violent brawl broke out in Georgia’s parliament on Monday amid heated debate over a law seen by some 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’.
During the discussion in the legal affairs committee, hundreds of demonstrators gathered in front of parliament. During a speech by MP Alexander Elisahsivili, Mamuka Mdinaradze, the leader of Georgia’s Dream Party faction, was punched in the face.
Elisahsivili accused Mdinaradze of being pro-Russian. As both fell from the stage, others surrounded them and attempts were made to subdue the attacking MP. Other images showed politicians in suits taking part in the brawl, while others tried to calm the situation.
The bully’s statement
Elisashvili spoke angrily to reporters after the incident outside the building: “I was beaten, but if it is for Georgia, then so be it! We need to shove this law up their asses. There’s no time for civility.’ He pumped 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 call it “the Russian law” because of its similarities to legislation Russia uses to stigmatize independent news media and organizations that oppose the Kremlin.
They also argue that passing the law would hamper Georgia’s aspirations to join the European Union, despite the country gaining long-sought 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.
Source: Krone
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