Recent news from Georgia has highlighted a series of events that have captured international attention. Protests erupted in Tbilisi over a controversial bill that many fear could hinder Georgia's aspirations to join the EU, with tensions escalating between the government and demonstrators. The reintroduction of the bill, following its withdrawal due to mass protests last year, has reignited public outcry. Additionally, a tragic fire at the National Gallery of Abkhazia resulted in the destruction of thousands of artworks, including pieces by renowned artist Aleksandr Chachba-Sharvashidze. Furthermore, a fatal shooting of a Georgian civilian by Russian troops near the South Ossetia border has sparked condemnation and calls for international intervention.
Georgia, located at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe in the Caucasus region, has a complex geopolitical landscape. The country has long sought closer ties with the EU, facing challenges such as territorial disputes with breakaway regions like Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Georgia's history is marked by a mix of influences from various empires and civilizations, contributing to its diverse cultural heritage. The nation has made strides in its democratic development since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, but internal political tensions and external pressures continue to shape its trajectory on the world stage.
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Protesters gathered outside parliament in Tbilisi on Sunday, with many vowing to spend the night there, furious over a bill they believe will derail Georgia’s long-held aim of joining the EU.
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The legislation seems modelled on laws used by Vladimir Putin to crack down on the media and civic groups in Russia, Sky's Dominic Waghorn says.
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Protests set to continue as Western nations urge Georgian authorities against adopting ‘Kremlin-style’ measure.
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As in Hong Kong in 2019, the US-funded National Endowment for Democracy has fingerprints all over protests in Tbilisi.
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The pronouncement comes as tensions fray between Tbilisi and Brussels over a ‘Kremlin-inspired’ foreign agent law.
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The ruling party suddenly reintroduced the bill earlier this month, after mass protests forced its withdrawal last year.
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A fire swept through the National Gallery of Abkhazia, destroying an estimated 4,000 artworks, including 300 works by celebrated artist Aleksandr Chachba-Sharvashidze.
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Russian troops stationed in South Ossetia shot and killed a Georgian civilian near the border, sparking condemnation and calls for international intervention.
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Georgia's State Security Service accuses a senior Ukrainian official of plotting to overthrow the government through mass unrest.
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Georgia's ruling party has launched impeachment proceedings against President Salome Zourabichvili for violating the constitution by visiting EU countries without government approval.
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Russia's Deputy Chair of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev warns of potential annexation of Georgia's breakaway regions Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
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The Killers invited a Russian fan to play drums on stage in Georgia, prompting boos and walkouts from the audience, while The 1975's performance in Malaysia was cut short after lead singer Matt Healy kissed his bandmate and criticized the country's anti-LGBT+ laws.
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