West calls for Georgia to repeal ‘foreign agent’ law

Georgia has come under fire from international bodies such as the EU, NATO, and the UN for passing a controversial “foreign influence” law targeting overseas-funded organizations. This move has sparked protests and concerns that the country is shifting away from its pro-Western stance towards Russia, dividing public opinion in the ex-Soviet republic where the majority of the population is pro-European Union and NATO.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell urged the Georgian authorities to withdraw the law, stating that it hinders Georgia’s progress on the EU path. NATO also criticized the law, calling it a step away from European and Euro-Atlantic integration. The UN human rights chief expressed deep regret over the adoption of the law, highlighting the impact on freedom of expression and association.

Meanwhile, in Turkey, draft legislation proposes to jail journalists and researchers working for foreign “interests,” a move condemned as repressive by rights groups. The proposed amendment to Turkey’s penal code could lead to imprisonment for those deemed to act against the state’s interests on behalf of foreign entities, further threatening freedom of the press in the country.