Why protesters in Georgia are opposed to a 'foreign agents' law and why it matters

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the controversy surrounding a proposed "foreign agents" law in Georgia, which would require non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and media companies that receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as "pursuing the interests of a foreign power." The article outlines the key points of the debate, including:

🙋 Q&A

[01] The 'foreign agents' bill, and why it's so controversial

1. What is the proposed "foreign agents" law in Georgia, and why is it controversial?

• The draft legislation, proposed by the ruling Georgian Dream party, would require NGOs and media companies that get more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as "pursuing the interests of a foreign power" and provide financial statements about their activities.
• Proponents say the law is necessary to prevent foreign influence and increase transparency, while critics argue it is modeled on a similar Russian law used to crack down on dissent.
• Critics say the Georgian law is incompatible with European values of democracy and free speech, and would likely create issues for Georgia's EU candidacy.

2. How does the proposed law compare to the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act?

• Supporters of the Georgian bill say it is based on the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act, which dates back to 1938.
• However, critics argue the Georgian proposal is more similar to a 2012 Russian law that has been used to target critics of the Kremlin.

[02] What protesters are saying

1. What are the main concerns of the protesters in Georgia?

• Protesters, including many young people, want to ensure Georgia's future includes entry into the European Union.
• They argue the "foreign agents" bill is incompatible with European values of democracy and free speech, and would move Georgia closer to Russia rather than the West.
• Protesters want to maintain Georgia's path towards EU and NATO membership, which they see as crucial for the country's future.

2. How have the protests unfolded?

• The protests began in mid-April after the bill passed its first reading in parliament.
• The largely peaceful protests have attracted large crowds, with over 50,000 gathering over a recent weekend.
• Protesters have tried to block lawmakers from entering parliament, leading to clashes with security forces using water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets.

[03] What happens next

1. What is the expected outcome of the final vote on the bill?

• The bill is expected to pass, as the ruling Georgian Dream party has enough control in parliament to override a veto from the president, who is a critic of the bill.
• The two biggest figures in Georgia, the prime minister and the party's billionaire founder, are eager for the bill to pass.

2. What are the potential consequences if the bill is passed?

• If the bill is passed, it would likely create issues for Georgia's EU candidacy, as the law is seen as incompatible with European values of democracy and free speech.
• The law is viewed as a way for the party's billionaire founder to exert more control over free media and civil society, which he does not currently control.