Clashes between police and protesters erupt across central Tbilisi after a rally in front of the Georgian parliament.

Georgian police fired water cannons and tear gas at thousands of protesters Wednesday, ordering them to disperse as they rallied against a planned "foreign agent" law reminiscent of Russian legislation used to silence critics.

The concern is growing that the mountainous Caucasus republic, which aspires to join the EU and NATO, is taking an authoritarian turn and being bent to the ruling party's will.

Massive crowds gathered in front of the parliament building in central Tbilisi, holding EU and Georgian flags.

The protesters are demanding authorities drop the bill on "transparency of foreign funding." 

Earlier Wednesday, protesters marched down Tbilisi's main thoroughfare, with one banner reading "Women against total control" in a nod to International Women's Day.