Georgian law setback for democracy

After weeks of protests, the controversial so-called agent law has been hammered out of Georgia’s parliament.

Moreta Bobokhidze, program manager at Civil Rights Defenders’ Georgia branch, describes it as a defeat for human rights in the country.

There was a fierce atmosphere when the controversial law was voted through in the Georgian parliament. The members clashed with both profanity and scuffles.

The new law means that all media and civil society organizations that operate in Georgia and receive more than a fifth of their funding from abroad must register with the authorities as actors operating in the interests of foreign powers.

The human rights organization Civil Rights Defenders is one of those that may be covered.

“Setback for democracy”

– It is a clear setback for democracy and human rights, says Moreta Bobokhidze, who herself participated in the protests outside parliament.

– We will have to fight harder. The work we do will change. Maybe stopped completely, but it’s too early to tell.

Critics say the law is a way for the ruling Georgian Dream party to overturn the country’s bid to become a member of the EU.

Those who support the law cite reasons such as transparency and preventing outside influence on Georgian politics.

“Everything is already transparent”

– It is not about transparency. Everything is already transparent. On the websites of all organizations there are names, salaries and other funding, says Moreta Bobkhidze and continues:

– How can you have transparency if you are silenced?

Georgia became a candidate country for the EU in 2023. If the so-called agent law enters into force, which it is expected to do shortly, it represents a development that runs counter to several basic criteria for candidacy to lead to full membership.