Georgian lawmakers move closer to passing ‘Russian law’ targeting the media. Protesters gather again

By SOPHIKO MEGRELIDZE
Associated Press

TBILISI, Georgia (AP) — Georgia’s Parliament has moved a step closer to passing a law that critics fear will stifle media freedom and endanger the country’s European Union membership bid. Tens of thousands of protesters have thronged surrounding streets. Police used water cannons, tear gas and pepper spray against the demonstrators. Dozens of people were arrested in the latest rallies. An opposition leader was seen bandaged and bruised. Protesters denounce the bill as “the Russian law” because neighboring Russia uses similar legislation to stigmatize independent news media and organizations critical of the Kremlin. A third and final reading of the bill is ahead.