Georgian Parliament Approves ‘Foreign Agents’ Law, Sparking Disapproval from the Western World.
Moscow accuses the West of interfering in the domestic affairs of a sovereign nation.
Following weeks of protests and political debates, Georgia’s parliament has passed legislation aimed at addressing perceived foreign influence in the small South Caucasus nation.
Once enforced, the law will mandate foreign-funded entities to register as “organizations pursuing foreign interests” or face financial penalties.
“The bill has been approved,” assembly speaker Shalva Papuashvili announced after the May 14 vote, where lawmakers gave final approval to the legislation.
Eighty-four parliament members voted in favor of the so-called “foreign agents” law, while 30 voted against it.
Supporters argue that the law is necessary to protect the country from harmful foreign influences disguising themselves as “civil society.”
Opponents, on the other hand, express concerns that the law will suppress freedom of speech and expression and hinder Georgia’s prospects of joining the European Union (EU).
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Detractors mockingly refer to it as “the Russian law,” drawing comparisons to legislation supposedly used by Moscow to suppress political opposition.
The Kremlin, on its part, refutes any connection to the Georgian law or its recent approval by parliament.
“This is an internal affair for Georgia,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated following the parliamentary vote.
“We observe clear intervention in Georgia’s internal matters from external sources,” he added in response to Western pressure on Georgia to revoke the legislation.
