Georgian demonstrators protesting against the controversial “foreign influence” bill stand in front of law enforcement officers who blocked the area near the parliament building in Tbilisi on May 14, 2024.
Vano Shlamov | AFP | Getty Images
Georgia lawmakers passed a controversial “kremlin styleThe law on foreign influence comes despite massive protests in the country and repeated warnings from the United States and the European Union.
Members of the Georgian Parliament were present in person Fight Lawmakers gave the so-called “foreign agents” bill a third and final reading before finally approving the legislation.
The country’s legislative body has 150 members, 84 of whom 30 votes in favor and against.
The ruling Georgian Dream party insists the legislation is necessary despite the country’s biggest demonstrations since it declared independence from the Soviet Union more than three decades ago.
The Foreign Influence Act requires media outlets, nonprofits and other non-governmental organizations to register as “pursuing the interests of foreign powers” if more than 20% of their funding comes from foreign countries.
Georgian President Salome Zurabichvili had previously vowed to veto the bill. However, parliament can override her veto by holding an extra vote.
Russia, which occupies about 20% of Georgia’s internationally recognized territory, has used similar legislation to crack down on independent news media and activists critical of the Kremlin.
The country’s opposition lawmakers condemned the legislation, sometimes called “Russian law.” Critics say the bill could jeopardize Georgia’s chances of joining the European Union and push the country back into Russia’s orbit.
US, EU warning
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s vote, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said the United States was “deeply alarmed” by the country’s democratic backsliding.
Sullivan said Saturday via social media platform “
In addition, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen explain The EU “clearly expressed its concerns” about the proposed law and condemned violence on the streets of Tbilisi earlier this month.
“The Georgian people want a European future for their country,” von der Leyen said in a statement in May. “In light of these wishes, the European Council granted Georgia candidate status in December and set clear terms for the start of EU accession negotiations. the way.
“We expect the Georgian government to act quickly and implement the measures it committed to taking as a candidate country. Georgia is at a crossroads. It should remain steadfast on its path to Europe,” she added.
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