Human Rights Watch (HRW) is sounding an urgent alarm, imploring the Georgian parliament to reject a proposed law inspired by the US Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). The organisation cautions that this legislation threatens to criminalise civil society activists and non-governmental organisations that resist identification as ‘foreign agents.’ Such a move would significantly exacerbate the already dire human rights situation in Georgia, cultivated by governmental pressures in recent times.
According to Hugh Williamson, HRW’s director for Europe and Central Asia, the law poses a perilous choice for independent activists: accept a damaging label as ‘foreign agents’ and face potential imprisonment or exile, or abandon their vital work. He warns that its enactment could signal the end of independent civil society in the nation.
The organisation further highlights that previous legislation, namely the 2024 Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence, has already been found to contravene international human rights norms. Williamson argues that the government is deepening the human rights crisis and has a clear opportunity to mitigate this harm by withdrawing the foreign agents bill.
On 18 March, Georgia’s single-party parliament moved forward with the controversial bill, sparking fears among civil society groups. Many are sceptical that the authorities will implement it similarly to its American counterpart. The Social Justice Center suggests that a reasonable interpretation of FARA would typically exclude media and NGOs, but the ruling Georgian Dream party seems to view the legislation as a means to exert control over these entities.
Human Rights Watch warns the Georgian parliament against adopting a law similar to the US FARA, claiming it will exacerbate the human rights crisis. The law may force civil society groups to register as ‘foreign agents’ or face severe consequences, threatening their existence. HRW urges the government to withdraw the bill to prevent further harm and uphold human rights.
In summary, the concerns raised by Human Rights Watch regarding the proposed FARA-inspired law in Georgia illustrate a potential decline in the landscape of civil liberties. If enacted, the law threatens to criminalise crucial civil society efforts, stigmatising activists and pushing them towards isolation. Facing significant pressure from the ruling government, it’s imperative that Georgian authorities reconsider the implications of this legislation and safeguard human rights within the nation.
Original Source: jam-news.net
