the international community denounces a text which goes “in the wrong direction”

“We urge Georgia to change course and respect the right to peaceful protest.” The UN as well as the European Union and NATO criticized on Wednesday May 15 the adoption of a controversial law on“foreign influence” in Georgia, inspired by Russian legislation.

“The decision of the Georgian government to adopt legislation on ‘foreign agents’ is a step in the wrong direction and moves Georgia away from European and Euro-Atlantic integration”declared NATO spokesperson Farah Dakhlallah, on the social network.

“Authorities and lawmakers have chosen to ignore the numerous warnings from human rights defenders and civil society organizations”for his part deplored the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk. “The impacts on the rights to freedom of expression and association in Georgia are unfortunately now likely to be significant”declares the UN official, who “deeply regrets” the adoption of this law.

The law on “foreign influence” “has a negative impact on Georgia’s progress on its path towards the European Union”judged the head of European diplomacy Josep Borrell, in a press release published jointly with the rest of the Commission. “The choice of the next step is in the hands of Georgia”underlines this text, which adds that the law is “contrary to essential EU values ​​and standards”. Brussels is therefore calling on Georgia to withdraw the text.

The White House has already said “deeply concerned” by the situation on Tuesday, and warned that the United States could “reevaluate” their relationship with this Caucasian country. Georgian President Salomé Zourabichvili, pro-European and in open conflict with the government, is expected to veto the text, but the ruling party claims to have enough votes to override it. Demonstrations have been organized for more than a month to demand the withdrawal of the text and have been violently repressed.