Thousands protest in Georgia after parliament backs ‘foreign agent’ bill - BBC News

Protesters have clashed with police in Georgia's capital, Tbilisi, after parliament backed a controversial draft law, the new "transparency of foreign influence" bill.

The draft legislation would require non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and independent media who receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad to declare themselves as foreign agents.

Critics of the bill said that it limits press freedom and suppresses civil society.

Riot police used water cannon and pepper spray to disperse the crowds gathered outside the parliament building.

Some protesters were seen falling on the ground and coughing, while others waved EU and Georgian flags.

Meanwhile, the government said several policemen were hurt and police gear was damaged.