On March 26, Human Rights Watch (HRW) issued a firm statement condemning the proposed law in Georgia, modelled after the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). This law aims to criminalise civil society organisations that refuse the label of “foreign agents”, a move seen as a gross violation of human rights and a significant threat to independent civil society in Georgia. HRW implores the GD parliament to reject this damaging proposal, warning it could dismantle civic freedoms altogether.
Hugh Williamson, the Europe and Central Asia director at HRW, expressed grave concerns about the law. Ahead of a critical vote set for the week of March 31, he highlighted that the legislation presents a troubling choice for civil society groups: accept an unfounded and harmful label, risk imprisonment or exile, or give up their work entirely. He warned, “It could spell the end of Georgia’s independent civil society.”
HRW pointed out that the Georgian bill diverges significantly from U.S. FARA, which is designed to monitor direct foreign influence on politics. The U.S. regulations are specific, focusing only on entities acting under directives of foreign principals. In contrast, the broad definitions within the Georgian legislation could lead to arbitrary abuses against independent organisations, a concern HRW vehemently raised.
The statement also linked the proposed law to previous commentary by the GD leadership, suggesting an intent to suppress civil society emboldened by criticisms from the Trump administration, including a halt of U.S. foreign assistance. Alongside this bill, HRW has condemned changes to the Broadcasting law, new amendments to the Administrative and Criminal Codes, and regulations that empower police to preemptively detain individuals deemed likely to commit misdemeanours.
To mitigate the deepening human rights crisis, Williamson urges the GD authorities to show respect for human rights and the rule of law by abandoning the foreign agents bill. Furthermore, on March 24, over 100 Georgian civil society organisations denounced the proposal as a “repackaged Russian law” aimed at hindering independent media and civil organisations, labelling it unconstitutional and a threat to free expression.
Human Rights Watch criticises a proposed law in Georgia that would designate civil society groups as ‘foreign agents’, warning it could undermine independent civic freedoms. HRW’s director highlighted the law’s threat to organisations, contrasting it with U.S. regulations. They urged rejection to prevent further human rights violations, with over 100 Georgian civil organisations also condemning the bill as unconstitutional.
The proposed FARA-inspired law in Georgia poses a severe threat to civil society and human rights, creating a perilous environment for independent organisations. Human Rights Watch’s calls for its rejection highlight the critical need to protect civic freedoms and maintain respect for human rights. As civil society stands united against this proposed legislation, the need for action to uphold freedom of expression becomes increasingly urgent.
Original Source: civil.ge
