A journalist explains why he joined the protests in Georgia

HISTORY: The ruling Georgian Dream Party, which protesters say has ties to Russia, won the bill on first reading this week. Organizations that receive more than 20% of funding from abroad would have to register or face fines.

Protesters say the bill mimics Russian legislation, which has been used to silence dissent since 2012.

“If it starts with certain organizations – like (what) happened in Russia – tomorrow it will be about people,” said 24-year-old journalist Mikheil Gvadzabia in English. “They (the demonstrators) don’t want Russian laws in Georgia.”

The ruling party says the law would help root out those working against the interests of the country and the powerful Georgian Orthodox Church.