Ongoing Georgian Protests: Russian-Inspired Legislation Threatens NGOs and Critical Associations

Georgians have been protesting against Russian-inspired legislation that would hamper the survival of NGOs, critical associations, and social projects funded with external aid. The government had previously rejected this legislation after massive protests last year. However, the European Union has criticized the new attempt, stating that it is incompatible with Georgia’s candidacy for the EU, which was approved last December.

The Georgian Parliament debated the controversial legislation on Wednesday, after two days of intense protests outside the assembly building. Over 10,000 people gathered every night since Monday, leading to arrests and injuries due to police repression. The approval of the Transparency Law on Foreign Influence in its first reading was supported by 83 out of 150 deputies. Protests continue against what protesters see as a replication of a “Russian law” in Georgia.

Critics view this legislation as an attack on political and human rights organizations that monitor power. The opposition, protesters, and social organizations have condemned the law as an attempt to impose Russia’s “foreign agents” legislation in Georgia. President Salome Zurabishvili has joined the criticism against the government, accusing them of sabotaging Georgia’s European path and serving Russian interests. The ruling party, Georgian Dream, has faced backlash for resurrecting a law that had been overturned by protests last year.

The EU has expressed concerns about the impact of this legislation on Georgia’s European aspirations. Pro-European protesters have found new allies in the national football team, whose players have spoken out against the law on foreign agents and in support of the EU. European diplomatic sources in Tbilisi hope that the government will reconsider this legislation to align with EU requirements for accession negotiations.

The ongoing protests and international criticism highlight tensions and challenges facing Georgia’s political landscape.

In recent days, thousands of Georgians have taken to the streets to protest against a controversial bill inspired by Russian laws aimed at restricting NGOs and other groups receiving external funding from abroad.

After two days of intense protests outside parliament buildings gathering over 10,000 people every night since Monday resulting in arrests and injuries due to police repression.

Despite opposition from critics who view it as a direct attack on political and human rights organizations monitoring power.

Protests are continuing despite approval being given for Transparency Law on Foreign Influence with 83 out of 150 votes.