Russian lawmaker says Georgia 'under sword of targeted propaganda'

MOSCOW

Georgia is under "a sword of targeted propaganda" aimed at turning the society into hatred and rage, Russian lawmaker Grigory Karasin said on Thursday.

"Georgia is once again undergoing a difficult test of political endurance. The sword of targeted propaganda is raised above stability. The expectation is that emotions will turn society back into hatred and rage. This is a field where the West feels confident. Ukraine is a tangible example," Karasin said on Telegram.

The approval of a draft law on "Transparency of Foreign Influence" led to the demonstrations in Georgia’s capital Tbilisi since Monday, which led to the arrest of 66 people and injured more than 50 law enforcement officers.​​​​​​​

The bill requires individuals, civil society organizations, and media outlets to register with the Justice Ministry as “agents of foreign influence” if they receive at least 20% of their funds from abroad.

It imposes additional reporting requirements, inspections, and administrative and criminal liability, including up to five years in prison for any violations.