Georgia's simmering pot of political unrest has reached a boiling point, with accusations flying about who's stirring the flames. The State Security Service (SSSG) claims a shadowy network of foreign actors is orchestrating the protests and using cryptocurrency to conceal their funding.

Thousands have taken to the streets of Tbilisi, voicing their disapproval of a proposed "foreign agents" bill. This legislation, eerily similar to a Russian law, would brand NGOs receiving over 20% of their funding from abroad as "foreign agents." This has ignited fears of a crackdown on dissent and jeopardized Georgia's EU aspirations.

Cryptocurrency: A Tool for Secrecy?

The SSSG alleges a group of Georgians residing abroad, potentially linked to the Ukraine conflict, are masterminding the protests. Their goal, according to the agency, is to orchestrate violence and chaos. The agency further claims these individuals are using cryptocurrency "to cover their tracks," hinting at a deliberate effort to mask their financial support.

The accusation of foreign-funded protests, facilitated by crypto, mirrors similar anxieties expressed by Russia. However, critics view this as a convenient scapegoat to discredit the genuine concerns of the protestors.

President Opposes, Parliament Pushes Forward

Adding fuel to the fire, the parliament is poised to vote on the "foreign agents" bill despite President Zourabichvili's vow to veto it. This potential overturning of the veto has ignited fears of democratic backsliding, prompting European Parliament members to call for a withdrawal of Georgia's EU candidacy.

Western Media Paints a Grim Picture

Western media outlets paint a bleak picture, suggesting the vote's outcome could trigger a "revolution" in Georgia. The government counters this narrative, claiming the protests are orchestrated by Western-backed groups seeking regime change.

A Nation Divided

The situation in Georgia highlights the deep political divides. Whether the accusations about crypto-funded foreign actors hold weight remains unclear. What is evident is the growing discontent with the proposed legislation and the potential consequences for Georgia's democratic future. Only time will tell if the nation can navigate this turbulent period and find a path towards stability and peaceful dissent.