The foreign agent laws in Georgia and Kyrgyzstan are not a result of mounting authoritarianism but the cause of it. These laws crack down on NGOs receiving funds from abroad, inspired by Russia’s legislation branding dissenting organizations as “foreign agents.”
While Moscow’s direct influence on these laws is unclear, the resemblance is apparent. In Kyrgyzstan, a parliament member copied chunks of text from the Russian law for a similar proposal. This crackdown has led to the closure of independent media outlets and NGOs.
The fear of selective enforcement and increased scrutiny on rights advocates is valid in both countries. With civil society already under pressure, recent laws threaten the last line of defense against state capture in Georgia and Kyrgyzstan.
The implications of these laws extend to economic and geopolitical consequences, potentially pushing the countries further into authoritarianism. It’s crucial to stand up for press freedom and civil rights to prevent further escalation of these oppressive measures.
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