Lawmakers brawl as Georgian parliament considers ’foreign agent’ bill | VOA News

Georgian lawmakers came to blows in parliament Monday as ruling party legislators looked set to advance a controversial bill on “foreign agents“ that has been criticized by Western countries and sparked protests at home. Footage broadcast on Georgian television showed an opposition MP punched a ruling party lawmaker, who co-sponsored the bill, in the head at a parliamentary hearing, prompting a wider brawl and the video’s live feed to be cut. The ruling Georgian Dream party said earlier this month it would reintroduce a legislation requiring organizations that accept funds from abroad to register as foreign agents or face fines, 13 months after protests halted the plan. » Subscribe to VOA News: » Watch more VOA News video: Voice of America (VOA) is the largest U.S. international broadcaster, providing news and information in more than 40 languages to an estimated weekly audience of 236.8 million people. VOA produces content for digital, television, and radio platforms. It is easily accessed via your mobile phone and on social media. It is also distributed by satellite, cable, FM and MW, and is carried on a network of approximately 3,000 affiliate stations. Since its creation in 1942, Voice of America has been committed to providing comprehensive coverage of the news and telling audiences the truth. Through World War II, the Cold War, the fight against global terrorism, and the struggle for freedom around the globe today, VOA exemplifies the principles of a free press. Connect with VOA News: » VISIT OUR WEBSITE: » LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE: » FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: » FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: » FOLLOW US ON THREADS: @voanews #news #voanews #georgia #georgian #parliament #brawl #protest #reels #foreignagentbill