Georgia passes “Russia law”

Hi Global Recap readers,

Are we seeing the beginning of the slow Hong Kong-ification of Georgia, just as China judicially took over Hong Kong?

(Mind you, Russia doesn’t have as much of a direct judicial control of Georgia.)

Nonetheless, it sparked a messy brawl in the parliament. 👇

🇬🇪 Georgia
“Russia” Bill Passed

The Georgian parliament has passed a controversial bill amidst heated discussions and widespread protests, raising concerns over the country’s democratic freedoms and European Union aspirations.

🔘 Clashes: During the final reading of the bill, which requires certain organizations to register as “foreign agents,” lawmakers exchanged blows, reflecting the bill’s divisiveness. Outside, approximately 2,000 protesters gathered, with some being detained by law enforcement.

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🇫🇷 France
Daring Escape Sparks Manhunt

🔘 Tragedy: In a shocking incident, a prison van transporting a convict was ambushed, resulting in the death of two officers and injuries to three others. The French Justice Minister, Eric Dupond-Moretti, revealed that the attack occurred while moving the prisoner from a courthouse to a prison in Rouen.

🔘 Escape: The assailants, armed with “heavy weapons,” rammed the vehicle at a highway toll, facilitating the escape of convicted burglar Mohamed Amra, also known as “The Fly.”

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🇨🇳🇺🇸 China vs US
US Hits China with Huge Tariffs

The Biden administration has announced a significant increase in tariffs on a range of Chinese imports, including electric vehicles (EVs) and semiconductors.

🔘 Tariff Hike: The new tariffs include,

• a 100% tariff on Chinese EVs,

• a doubling of the tariff on solar cell imports to 50%, and

• a substantial rise in tariffs on steel, aluminum, semiconductors, medical supplies, batteries, critical minerals, and ship-to-shore cranes.

This action will affect $18 billion in imports from China.

🔘 Strategic Goals: The administration aims to protect U.S. companies and manufacturing jobs from being undercut by Chinese exports.

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🇺🇦 Ukraine
Invasion Intensifies

🔘 Evacuation: The new Russian offensive has prompted over 6,000 evacuations from the city of Vovchansk, located a mere five miles from the Russian border.

• The evacuees describe the current attack as even more devastating than the initial invasion in February 2022.

🔘 Strategic Motive: The purpose behind Russia’s intensified offensive remains unclear, but it may be an attempt to create a buffer zone and limit Ukraine’s ability to retaliate.

• Western and Ukrainian officials had anticipated an offensive in the Kharkiv region, yet the rapid Russian advance has led to criticism of Ukraine’s preparedness.

• The Ukrainian commander responsible for the northeast front was dismissed amid the crisis.

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