Georgia's Persistence in Enforcing 'Foreign Agent' Legislation Despite Massive Backlash
Despite widespread international criticism and significant public protests, Georgia's government remains determined to push forward with a contentious 'foreign agent' law. The country's defiance in the face of opposition is sparking concerns and raising tensions within the nation.
Georgia's government is pushing for a controversial "foreign agent" law, despite facing backlash from the international community and large protests from its citizens.
This bill is being viewed as a critical moment for the nation, a former Soviet state, to decide between strengthening relationships with Europe and the United States or continuing to align with Russia.
Critics argue that the law is a Kremlin-inspired attempt to weaken democracy and hinder Georgia's chances of joining the European Union.
On Wednesday, thousands of individuals gathered outside the parliament in Tbilisi to protest after the government approved the initial draft of the bill. This is just the first step in a series of three that the bill must pass before it can be enacted into law.
The ruling Georgian Dream party attempted to pass the bill 13 months ago, but faced protests and had to back down. Now, they have reintroduced the legislation and there are concerns that the government will push it through despite opposition from the public.
Russians fleeing war have dug up deep-rooted anxieties among Georgians.
Russians fleeing war have dug up deep-rooted anxieties among Georgians.
Irakli Gedenidze/Reuters
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The law, known as “On the Transparency of Foreign Influence,” is being compared to a measure introduced by President Vladimir Putin to limit criticism in Russia. According to this law, organizations in Georgia that receive more than 20% of their funding from overseas must register as “foreign agents” or face hefty fines.
Georgia’s president, Salome Zourabichvili, who has opposed the ruling party Georgian Dream, described the law as a replica of the Putin law that was implemented a few years ago. She believes that the law is designed to suppress civil society, similar to what was done in Russia.
Zourabichvili believes that the law is designed to obstruct the country's efforts to become a member of the European Union, even though it was given candidate status in December.
She mentioned, "Russia is now implementing its hybrid strategy, reviving it, and attempting to hinder our progress on that path - with the assistance of the current authorities."
Zourabichvili intends to veto the law, but conceded that her powers are mostly symbolic. Her veto could be overridden by the government’s parliamentary majority.
A protester draped in an European Union flag confronts riot police in Tbilisi, April 16, 2024.
A protester draped in an European Union flag confronts riot police in Tbilisi, April 16, 2024.
Irakli Gedenidze/Reuters
The Kremlin has stated that the law is being used to stir up anti-Russian feelings and that protests against it are influenced by outside forces.
The EU cautioned that if the bill is finally adopted, it could have a negative impact on Georgia's progress towards membership.
Nearly 80% of Georgians are in favor of European integration, as revealed by a recent poll conducted by the National Democratic Institute in December.
“I believe that we, as a united group of free individuals, should persevere and not relent. I am hopeful that our actions will prompt a reconsideration of the controversial legislation,” said Giorgi Bekurashvili, a young protester, in an interview with CNN on Monday.
Every night this week, thousands of Georgians have been protesting on the streets against the bill. They have been waving EU flags and shouting "Russian slaves" at their lawmakers. On Tuesday night, a video on social media captured a harsh police reaction as officers targeted individual protesters, some were beaten and others were arrested.
There is a strong animosity among many Georgians towards Russia due to the invasion of Georgia in 2008. Russia currently occupies approximately 20% of Georgia's internationally recognized territories, similar to its occupation in Ukraine.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, thousands of Russians – especially men of service age – have fled to Georgia to avoid conscription.
Editor's P/S:
Georgia's proposed "foreign agent" law has sparked widespread outrage and raised concerns about the nation's democratic trajectory. The bill, reminiscent of Russia's own
