The Georgian Parliament has passed a controversial bill that would require individuals and organizations receiving foreign funding to register as foreign agents. The bill has been widely criticized by human rights groups and media organizations, who argue that it is vague and overly broad, and could be used to target critics of the government.
Background
The bill was first introduced in 2020, but was met with widespread opposition. In response, the government made some changes to the bill, but critics say that these changes do not go far enough to address their concerns.
Key Provisions
The bill defines a foreign agent as any individual or organization that receives more than 20% of its funding from foreign sources. These individuals and organizations would be required to register with the government and disclose their funding sources. They would also be subject to restrictions on their activities, such as meeting with government officials or engaging in political activities.
Criticism
Critics of the bill argue that it is vague and overly broad, and could be used to target critics of the government. They also say that the bill could have a chilling effect on freedom of speech and association.
Vague Language
The bill does not clearly define what constitutes political activities or foreign sources. This could allow the government to target individuals and organizations that it does not like, even if they are not actually engaged in political activities or receiving foreign funding.
Overly Broad
The bill applies to a wide range of individuals and organizations, including journalists, activists, and NGOs. This could have a chilling effect on freedom of speech and association, as people may be afraid to speak out or engage in certain activities for fear of being labeled a foreign agent.
Government’s Defense
The Georgian government has defended the bill, saying that it is necessary to protect the country from foreign interference. The government has also said that the bill is in line with similar laws in other countries.
Outlook
The bill is now before the Georgian President, Salome Zourabichvili. She has 10 days to sign the bill into law, veto it, or send it back to Parliament for further consideration. It is unclear what the President will do, but she has expressed concerns about the bill’s vague language.
If the bill is signed into law, it could have a significant impact on freedom of speech and association in Georgia. It could also damage the country’s international reputation.
Kind regards E. Thompson.
