Riot police are confronting protesters in Georgia after parliament passed a divisive "foreign agent" law
There have been weeks of mass street protests sparked by the passage of the bill
The law will force civil society groups and media organisations to declare foreign funding
Opponents fear it will be used to stifle dissent and harm the country's attempt to join the EU. The government insists it's necessary for transparency
Before the vote, there were scuffles inside parliament after governing party MPs reacted angrily to an opposition deputy accusing them of selling out to Russia
Demonstrations against the new law have been going on all day in Tbilisi.
Here are a selection of photographs from tense scenes around the centre of the Georgian capital.
Image source, EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock
Image source, Reuters
Image source, Reuters
Image source, Reuters
Image source, Reuters
Laura Gozzi
Europe reporter
Georgians have been protesting in their tens of thousands against a law on "foreign agents" passed today by the Georgian Dream governing party.
The law requires non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and independent media to register as organisations "bearing the interests of a foreign power" if they receive more than 20% of their funding from foreign donors.
Receiving such a label would mean they could be monitored by the authorities, be forced to share sensitive information or face hefty fines.
The law has been dubbed the "Russian law" because it resembles legislation that was passed in Russia in 2012, and which the Russian government has since used to silence voices challenging the Kremlin, including media organisations and prominent personalities.
Georgia is on course to become an EU member country - something 80% of Georgians support. But the EU has warned that the "foreign agents" law could be a "serious obstacle" to membership.
So Georgians see their country at a crossroads: on one side is Russia - their former ruler in Soviet times - and on the other is the European Union.
Looking out at the sea of blue EU flags that have taken over the central squares and avenues of Georgia in recent weeks, the people's preference seems clear.
The controversial legislation voted through the Georgian parliament has been condemned by critics as a "foreign agent" law.
It affects NGOs and independent media that receive more than 20% of their funding from foreign donors. They would have to register as organisations "bearing the interests of a foreign power".
They would also be subject to monitoring by justice ministry officials and could be forced to share sensitive information. Failure to do so could result in fines of up to 25,000 GEL [Georgian currency]. That is the equivalent of $9,400 or £7,500.
Protestors say they fear that the bill could be used by the government to suppress its opponents.
Georgia has been given candidate status in its attempt to join the European Union (EU). The EU warns that this legislation could jeopardise its progress within the bloc.
The divisive bill now faces a likely veto by the country's president. Parliament can override this by holding an additional vote.
Georgia: Protesters clash with police as thousands gather against foreign influence bill
Massive rallies against the controversial new law have gripped Georgia for nearly a month.
Photos and footage posted online in recent days appeared to show violent altercations between protesters and police.
Critics of the governing Georgian Dream party say the foreign influence bill - which they describe as the "Russia law" - could be used to stifle dissent.
Protesters are concerned that it would be used by the government to clamp down on opponents, and would harm Georgia's hopes of joining the European Union.
Hello and welcome as we start our live coverage of events in Georgia.
Police have moved in to start dispersing large crowds of people who have gathered outside the country's parliament.
This follows weeks of mass street protests that have been sparked by a divisive "foreign agent" law.
Stay with us as we bring you the latest.