Georgia… the day after tomorrow

“Foreign agent” laws have become a popular tactic in countries with autocratic tendencies. In February one took effect in Hungary, under Viktor Orban, its prime minister since 2010. In April, it was Kyrgyzstan’s turn. Slovakia’s prime minister, Robert Fico—who survived an assassination attempt earlier this month—began his fourth term by promising similar legislation. But before them all, it was Russia who kick-started the trend, in 2012. Georgian activists refer to theirs as “the Russian law”.

Last week, as Georgia’s parliament prepared to vote on the law, Heidi Pett travelled to Tbilisi, the capital, to meet opposition leaders and find out why they are so afraid. What she discovered was a group being beaten, bruised, and left worried for their personal freedom—wondering, once the dust settles, what the day after tomorrow will bring.

Runtime: 44:59

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