Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on the Georgian Parliament to reject the controversial ‘foreign agents’ bill, warning it could jeopardise the nation’s independent civil society. Hugh Williamson, HRW’s director for Europe and Central Asia, emphasised that if enacted, the bill will force activists to choose between being branded as foreign agents, enduring prison or exile, or ceasing their work entirely. HRW insists on the urgent necessity to discard this proposal to safeguard human rights in Georgia.
The proposed bill mandates extensive registration for individuals and entities deemed to be influenced by foreign interests while involved in political activities. It compels them to submit annual financial disclosures and label public statements as “from a foreign agent.” Violations may incur serious penalties, including fines of up to €8,250 ($8,886) and prison sentences of up to five years, marking a more severe approach than previous legislation.
This new legislation is a reaction to many civil society organisations failing to align with past registration requirements, potentially leading to human rights infractions under European laws. It could violate fundamental rights such as freedom of expression and association, as outlined in Articles 10 and 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Prior criticisms from the Council of Europe and the UN spotlight the problematic nature of the earlier ‘foreign agent’ law.
As the vote on the bill approaches, the Georgian Parliament is also introducing restrictive legislative changes aimed at suppressing peaceful protests. Following the 2024 passage of the previous ‘foreign agent’ law, human rights organisations condemned the violent reactions and punitive measures against demonstrators.
This proposal signifies a further distancing of Georgia from European influences. Leaders like Kaja Kallas and Commissioner Marta Kos have expressed concern, stating these legislative moves represent a significant regression in Georgia’s democratic progress, falling short of expectations for an EU candidate nation. Notably, this is compounded by the Georgian Dream Party’s choice to forgo pursuing EU membership by December 2024.
The bill is set to be deliberated in the Georgian Parliament in the week of March 31, 2025, stirring apprehension among various stakeholders.
Human Rights Watch is urging the Georgian Parliament to reject the proposed ‘foreign agents’ bill, warning it could devastate civil society. The bill mandates strict registration for political activity attributed to foreign influences with serious penalties. Critics view the legislation as a regression in human rights and a setback for Georgia’s democratic aspirations. The bill’s vote is scheduled for March 31, 2025.
In conclusion, the proposed ‘foreign agents’ bill poses a grave threat to Georgia’s civil society and fundamental human rights. If enacted, it will impose oppressive restrictions that could stifle freedom of expression and association, distancing Georgia further from European democratic standards. Human Rights Watch and other organisations continue to urge the Parliament to reject this legislation, highlighting its potential dire consequences for individuals and the nation’s path toward EU integration.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
