The Georgian Parliament passed the controversial law on foreign agents in the second reading on Wednesday, May 1, despite widespread protests from the population.

According to Echo of the Caucasus, 83 deputies voted in favor of the controversial law, while 23 voted against it.

Earlier, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated that the final vote on the bill would take place in two weeks.

Mass protests against the bill, initiated by the "Georgian Dream," have been ongoing for several weeks. The first reading of the document took place on April 17.

On the night of April 30 to May 1, special forces dispersed a rally against the "foreign agents" law. Demonstrators were met with pepper spray, tear gas, and water cannons, and violence was used against those detained. Dozens of protesters were injured. According to the Ministry of Health, 11 people were hospitalized, including 6 police officers. 63 people were detained on charges of minor hooliganism and disobeying the police.

However, the country's President Salome Zurabishvili, who distanced herself from the ruling party "Georgian Dream," promised to veto the document if it is passed in the final reading.

It is worth noting, however, that the ruling party has enough votes to override the presidential veto.

All international partners of Georgia are urging Tbilisi to refrain from approving the bill reintroduced for consideration in parliament.