US Embassy: Right to peaceful protest vital in any democracy
US Embassy: Right to peaceful protest vital in any democracy

US Embassy to Georgia on Wednesday said, “the right to peaceful assembly and the right to peaceful protest are vital in any democracy and have played an essential role throughout Georgia’s history in protecting Georgians’ identity and freedom.”

It went on to say that “the authorities play an indispensable role in protecting these rights. The stability and prosperity that come with greater integration into Europe depend on all citizens working together to achieve this shared goal.”

Georgians have been protesting for a second day against the so-called Foreign Agents bills that would require non-governmental and media organizations receiving more than 20% of their foreign funding to register as “foreign agents.”

The “No to the Russian law” rally kicked off on Tuesday after the Georgian Parliament passed a first reading of the legislation.

To disperse the crowds, the riot police used tear gas and water cannon.