Georgian politician advocates for “foreign agents” law to safeguard sovereignty

Sozar Subari, the chairman of the Georgian political party People's Power, has voiced support for the enactment of a law on foreign agents in Georgia.

Subari asserts that such legislation is essential to uphold the nation's sovereignty and democratic principles, Caliber.Az reports citing Georgian media.

"Similar laws are in force in the UK, Canada, Israel, Australia, and now in France. I think that a similar law is needed in Georgia for exactly the same purpose - to protect the sovereignty and democracy of the state," Subari emphasized.

In 2023, the Georgian Parliament introduced a proposed “Foreign Agents” Law, triggering widespread condemnation from civil society, human rights groups, and political figures.

The proposed legislation mandates that individuals, civil society organizations, and media outlets receiving at least 20% of their funding from abroad register as "agents of foreign influence" with the Georgian Justice Ministry. Furthermore, these entities would be subjected to stringent reporting requirements and inspections, with potential fines reaching up to 25,000 Georgian lari ($9,600) for non-compliance and the threat of imprisonment for repeated offences.

Critics argue that the bill is reminiscent of Russia's controversial 2012 law, infamous for stifling dissent and civil liberties. President Salome Zourabichvili, a staunch advocate for closer ties with Europe, has voiced her intention to veto the legislation, decrying it as an assault on Georgian values. However, parliamentary proceedings could potentially override her decision.

The scope of the proposed law has sent shockwaves through Georgian civil society, with numerous NGOs, election monitors, corruption watchdogs, and independent media outlets likely to fall under its purview. Human Rights Watch has warned of a chilling effect on human rights defenders and advocates for democracy and the rule of law.

Tensions surrounding the bill reached a fever pitch during a recent parliamentary hearing, where physical altercations broke out among lawmakers. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of Georgians took to the streets in protest, denouncing the legislation and chanting slogans rejecting any resemblance to Russia's restrictive policies.

Government officials argue that the law is essential to combat alleged "foreign influence" and espionage activities, asserting that Georgians deserve transparency regarding the funding sources of NGOs. Additionally, proponents of the bill contend that it could help identify critics of the influential Georgian Orthodox Church.

Despite these assertions, the proposed 'Foreign Agents' Law continues to face vehement opposition, with critics asserting that its implementation would undermine Georgia's aspirations for European integration and erode democratic principles within the country. As the debate rages on, the future of the legislation remains uncertain, amidst a backdrop of escalating tensions and widespread condemnation.