Riot police deployed tear gas and pepper spray to disperse protesters who had congregated outside parliament, where lawmakers were deliberating on a 'foreign agents' bill that critics fear could jeopardize the country's aspirations to join the EU.

Georgian riot police deployed tear gas to disband protesters outside parliament, demonstrating against a proposed legislation that critics argue might obstruct the country's path to joining the EU.

On Tuesday evening, lawmakers convened at the parliament to discuss and cast votes on the bill, marking the second step of the three-stage process necessary for its enactment. The "foreign agents" bill had previously cleared its initial reading in April.

Under the proposed legislation, organizations receiving over 20% of their funding from foreign sources would be mandated to register as foreign influence agents. Critics have drawn parallels between this bill and a Russian law frequently employed to suppress opposition voices.

Reports indicate that riot police resorted to pepper spray and batons to scatter protesters on Tuesday. Lawmakers adjourned Tuesday's session without reaching a vote, with the debate scheduled to recommence on Wednesday.

Levan Khabeishvili, leader of Georgia's largest opposition party, shared a photo on X platform revealing a black eye, though he did not elaborate on how it occurred.

The protests commenced earlier this month, and over the weekend, on Sunday, significant crowds gathered on Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi's main thoroughfare, chanting: "No to the Russian law!"

For the bill to become law, it must undergo three readings in parliament and receive the president's signature.

While Georgia's president is anticipated to veto the measure, the ruling party, Georgian Dream, possesses sufficient seats and allies in parliament to override the presidential veto.