“Those claiming to be European are sharing the home addresses of the proposed law’s initiators and supporters; this is fascism, and fascism has nothing to do with Europe,” Irakli Kobakhidze, chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party, said at the press point at GD headquarters.

Irakli Kobakhidze urged protesters to be peaceful.

“I’d like to urge everybody to remain calm. We see a demonstration in front of the parliament building, as well as legitimate protest; but, there are members of the radical opposition who are seeking, and will surely continue to attempt, to capitalize on this genuine protest. I’ll also highlight that there have been episodes of violence against law enforcement officers as well as significant bodily injuries to police. Any violation will be pursued to the full extent of the law. Those claiming to be European are sharing the home addresses of the proposed law’s initiators and supporters; this is fascism, and fascism has nothing to do with Europe. I’m wondering what the organizations and NGOs linked with the radical opposition will say about this manifestation of fascism. “I believe that the transparency given by the draft law would help people have a slightly different approach toward such displays of fascism,” stated Kobakhidze.

Georgian Parliament on Tuesday approved the proposed legislation On the Transparency of Foreign Influence in its first reading, followed by a street protest outside, where police fired water cannons and tear gas at demonstrators.