Mr President,
In 2024, freedom of assembly and expression in Georgia deteriorated sharply. The current crackdown is unfolding against the backdrop of shrinking civic space, marked by the adoption of legislation on "foreign influence" targeting civil society organizations, as well as smear campaigns and attacks on human rights defenders and journalists and their families.
In May of last year, despite large-scale protests and a presidential veto, the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence was passed. The law seeks to severely restrict the existence of independent media and civil society organizations in the country. We don’t have exact data on the number of NGOs, but it is already known that some have decided to shut down, some have registered outside Georgia, and others have established a new NGO or company within Georgia, which required additional expenses.
A month ago, a new version of the Foreign Agents Law was introduced in the Georgian Parliament. The law is expected to be adopted this week on April 4, and come into force 60 days later. By June 2025, all NGOs, online media, and individuals subject to the law will have to make a choice: register in the new registry as a "foreign principal’s agent" or risk facing criminal liability. If an organization fails to register, its leaders may face up to five years in prison, a fine, or both. Individual employees may also be subject to criminal liability for violating other obligations established by this law.
We call on Georgia to reject this law, as its enforcement will further restrict the rights of human rights defenders and independent journalists. We also call for the repeal of existing repressive legislation that violates Georgia’s international human rights obligations and restricts civic space.
Thank you.