Georgia Parliament Approves Law On Foreign Influence Registration

People protest against the "foreign agents" bill in Tbilisi

Georgia's parliament has passed the first reading of a proposed law that would mandate media and non-commercial organizations to register as being under foreign influence if they receive over 20% of their funding from abroad. This move has sparked controversy and opposition from critics who fear it could hinder Georgia's aspirations to join the European Union.

Detractors of the law have likened it to legislation in Russia, where similar laws are used to target independent media and organizations that oppose the government. Critics argue that adopting such a law would align Georgia with countries like Russia, Kazakhstan, and Belarus, where human rights are allegedly disregarded.

Giorgi Rukhadze, the founder of the Georgian Strategic Analysis Center, expressed concerns that the proposed law could derail Georgia's European integration efforts and lead the country away from its desired path.

Despite Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili's intention to veto the law if it passes in the third reading, the ruling party could potentially override the veto by securing 76 votes. Subsequently, the parliament speaker could sign the bill into law.

This legislation closely resembles a previous proposal that was withdrawn last year following significant public protests. Recent demonstrations in Tbilisi saw police using tear gas to disperse crowds gathered outside the parliament building.

The key alteration in the current draft law is the terminology used to describe affected entities. While the previous version labeled them as 'agents of foreign influence,' the updated version requires organizations receiving 20% or more of their funding from overseas to register as 'pursuing the interests of a foreign power.'