The Georgian parliament has recently passed the controversial ‘foreign agents’ legislation, despite opposition from the US and the EU, and protests within the country. This law, known as the Transparency of Foreign Influence Act, requires organizations and individuals receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as entities promoting the interests of a foreign power. Failure to comply could result in fines up to $9,500.
The bill was initially vetoed by President Salome Zourabichvili, but parliament overrode the veto with a majority vote. Critics have compared the legislation to a Russian law from 2012 and believe it could have significant implications for freedom of speech and democracy in Georgia. The passing of the law has led to protests and clashes in the streets of Tbilisi.
The US has threatened visa restrictions on those involved in undermining democracy in Georgia, while the EU has expressed concerns about the impact of the law on Georgia’s EU aspirations. The situation remains tense, with both international and domestic repercussions on the horizon.