According to their joint statement, “the machine of lies misled part of the public. The draft law was dubbed “Russian law,” and its adoption in the first reading was interpreted as a deviation from the European course.”

“We must exercise utmost vigilance about our country’s peace and economic development, as well as Georgia’s progress towards European integration. As a result, our fellow citizens’ energy must be channeled towards progress rather than hostility. Considering the foregoing, we have decided to withdraw the bill without condition,” the statement reads.

It went on to say that the once the emotional backdrop fades they “would better explain to the public what the bill was for and why it was vital to have transparency of foreign interference”.

“Georgia will maintain peace and stability while progressing towards Europe with dignity, as the Georgian people have chosen,” the statement said.

“No to the Russian law” rally kicked off on Tuesday after the Georgian Parliament passed the so-called Foreign Agents bill in the first reading. To disperse the protesters, the police used tear gas and water cannon against them.