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Protests lay bare a clash of values and interests as Georgia navigates a Russia-West standoff

The article from ABC News discusses the ongoing protests in Georgia over a proposed "foreign agents" law, which has sparked significant controversy and reflects broader geopolitical tensions. The law, which would require organizations receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as foreign agents, is seen by critics as an attempt to stifle dissent and align Georgia more closely with Russia, reminiscent of similar legislation in Russia. Protesters, including many young people, view this as a threat to Georgia's democratic aspirations and its path towards European integration. The Georgian government, led by the Georgian Dream party, defends the bill as necessary for transparency and national security, arguing it mirrors the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act. However, this has led to a clash of values, with demonstrators expressing fears of losing their European future and concerns over increasing Russian influence. The situation has drawn international attention, with the EU and the U.S. expressing concerns about the law's implications for Georgia's democratic development and its Western alignment.

Read the Full ABC Article at:
[ https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/georgias-protests-lay-bare-clash-values-interests-navigates-116379360 ]