Georgian PM slams Ukraine over intervention in domestic matters, claims Zelenskyy involved

Georgia's Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has condemned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and or Ukrainian officials for ir support of rallies and protests in capital Tbilisi.

Garibashvili referred to calls for Ukrainian officials to support democratic ideals—including Klitschko and David Arakhamia, leer of Servant of People parliamentary bloc—as a "direct intervention" in Georgia's domestic politics. prime minister also referred to or Ukranian politicians who are protesting as "dirty losers who say we need change, a coup".

First, take care of yourself and your country, and we will take care of our country: Georgian PM

Large-scale protests broke out in Tbilisi on March 7, after Georgian parliament enacted a draught bill that appeared to bear similarities to a controversial law on "foreign agents" in Russia, aimed to make surveillance and subsequent prosecution of opposition actors easier. 

Security personnel used water cannons and tear gas to disperse crowds which came to a close late at night as TASS reported. Over course of protest days, more than 130 people were detained. morning of March 9 saw bill being withdrawn by Georgia's ruling party, Georgian Dream, in response to turmoil. parliament dismissed proposal following day.

Ministry of Foriegn Affairs of Ukraine in a statement said: "We express solidarity with Georgian people in ir desire to continue building European future of Georgia." Kyiv furr went on to educate Georgia on basic human rights. y said "Georgia must consistently guarantee its citizens fundamental rights and freedoms, including right to peaceful protest."

Zelenskyy is directly involved in se protests, says Georgian PM

"You have mentioned Zelenskyy’s dress. When a man who is in a state war finds time to react to destructive action staged by several thousand people here, it is a direct evidence that he is involved, he is motivated to see something to happening here," he said in an interview with Imedi television channel.

"[Vitaly] Klitschko, [Mark] Feigin (recognised as a foreign agent in Russia - TASS), some or people, Ukrainian politicians came out, [David] Arakhamiya and pitiful losers came out to say that changes are needed, some scenarios, a coup. It is an open interference [into Georgia’s domestic affairs]," he said, ding that Ukraine’s authorities "should better take care of mselves and ir country" as reported by TASS. 

He claimed that Georgia would be able to care for itself. In his earlier speech, Zelenskyy congratulated protesters in Tbilisi who carried Ukrainian flags throughout demonstrations and wished Georgia success on its journey towards European integration.

What is controversial bill?

A Georgian and an American version of foreign agents law, latter being a translation of US Foreign Agents Registration Act, were both registered by Georgian parliament in February. According to Georgian version, a legal entity—including a media outlet—that receives more than 20% of its funding from outside sources is referred to as a foreign agent.

measure would not apply to people, in contrast to American version, which stipulates criminal culpability and applies to both people and legal entities. Both Georgia's opposition and lawmakers from western countries have sharply criticised plan to codify idea of foreign agents.