Tensions in Tbilisi after blogger’s arrest


Violent protests after police arrest of blogger in Georgia.

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Police suppressed a demonstration and arrested several people on a major avenue in the Georgian capital.

Hundreds of protesters were there to support popular blogger Ucha Abashidze after police took him away and searched his apartment.

Over the past 24 hours, activists have reported attacks and attempts at intimidation against several government critics.

Unidentified attackers are believed to be responsible for these attacks which left a few injured. Photographs posted on social media showed opposition party members with facial injuries.

A controversial law still at the center of tensions and demonstrations

In recent weeks, thousands of people have taken to the streets of Tbilisi but also in other cities to oppose a law which is the subject of fierce discussions in the Georgian parliament.

It should require non-governmental organizations receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as “pursuing the interests of a foreign power.”

Critics say the bill, dubbed by some “Russian Law” is largely inspired by similar legislation in Russia, which has been used to suppress dissent.

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