If passed, it would require any NGO or media organization receiving more than 20 percent of its funding from abroad to register as an “organization pursuing the interests of a foreign power.”
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Several thousand demonstrators took to the streets again on Saturday, May 11, in Tbilisi, Georgia, to protest against the controversial bill on “foreign influence”, wanted by the government but criticized by the United States and the ‘European Union.
Georgia, a small country in the Caucasus, has been gripped by anti-government protests since early April after the ruling Georgian Dream party reintroduced a bill seen as an obstacle to Tbilisi’s aspirations to join the European Union. This text is inspired by Russian legislation used for several years by the Kremlin to repress dissident voices.
A law on “transparency” of funding, according to the government
If the controversial law is passed, it will require any NGO or media organization receiving more than 20% of its funding from abroad to register as an “organization pursuing the interests of a foreign power.” The government assures for its part that this measure is intended to oblige organizations to demonstrate greater “transparency” on their financing.
The bill must still pass its third reading in Parliament very soon and President Salomé Zourabichvili, in conflict with the ruling party, is expected to veto it. The Georgian Dream, however, has enough votes to be able to override it.
