Georgian MP punched in face during parliamentary debate – video
Georgian politicians engaged in a physical altercation in parliament as ruling party legislators attempted to move forward with a controversial bill on “foreign agents.” This bill has garnered criticism from Western countries and triggered protests within Georgia.
A video aired on Georgian television captured the moment when Mamuka Mdinaradze, leader of the ruling Georgian Dream party’s parliamentary faction and a key proponent of the bill, was punched in the face by opposition MP Aleko Elisashvili while speaking at the dispatch box.
The incident sparked a larger brawl among several legislators, which is not uncommon in Georgia’s often boisterous parliament. Protesters outside the parliament building cheered for Elisashvili in response to the incident.
Earlier this month, Georgian Dream announced its intention to reintroduce legislation that would require organizations accepting foreign funds to register as “foreign agents” or face fines. This move comes 13 months after protests compelled the party to shelve the initial plan.
The bill has strained relations between Georgia and European countries, as well as the United States, all of which have voiced opposition to its passage. The European Union, which granted Georgia candidate status in December, has stated that the bill is inconsistent with the bloc’s values.
Despite aspirations to join the EU and NATO, Georgia’s deepened ties with Russia and allegations of authoritarianism at home have raised concerns. Georgian Dream argues that the bill is necessary to combat what it deems as “pseudo-liberal values” imposed by foreigners and to promote transparency.
In response to the bill, Georgia’s Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, met with ambassadors from the EU, UK, and US on Monday. Kobakhidze defended the draft law, emphasizing its promotion of accountability and expressing confusion over Western