ISTANBUL 

Georgia’s security service on Wednesday accused “certain groups” in the country of trying to overthrow the government through violent means, as protests continue against a “foreign influence” bill being considered by parliament.

A statement by the State Security Service on Facebook claimed that the groups in question, which it claimed to be financed by foreign countries, are trying to “organize provocations” during the rallies and are particularly targeting law enforcement in order to achieve their goals.

“In order to demoralize and provoke them, such methods related to the organization of so-called ‘color revolutions’ are used, such as threatening them, bribing them, staging their transition to the side of the participants of the protest, which ultimately aims to dismantle the state structures and overthrow the government by violent means,” the statement said.

It further said that Georgians abroad are also actively involved in these “criminal plans,” particularly a “specific part of Georgians fighting in Ukraine, who declare their readiness to come to Georgia and actively participate in the planned violence against the police.”

“The persons mentioned above are in active communication with their associates in Georgia and are discussing plans to block and paralyze the parliament, government administration and other government buildings,” it went on to say.

The statement called on those participating in the rallies to not follow these “provocations,” adding that law enforcement agencies will take immediate legal measures to prevent further escalation should the “certain groups” implement their “destructive plans.”

Last Wednesday, Georgia’s parliament voted in support of the second reading of a controversial “foreign influence” bill, despite weeks-long protests against the draft legislation sweeping the capital.

The bill requires organizations, including media outlets, which receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register with the state. It also obliges them to publish annual financial reports.

The bill, first introduced in March 2023, was shelved after it triggered mass protests resulting in the arrest of 66 people and the injury of more than 50 law enforcement officers, but was resubmitted to parliament early last month.

Critics say the bill would undermine democracy and have labeled it as a "Russian law," but members of the ruling majority say it would boost transparency.

Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili also declared that she would veto the bill. However, the country's ruling Georgian Dream party can override the president's veto by collecting 76 votes, after which the parliament speaker can sign the bill into law.