The Secretary General of the Council of Europe reminded the Georgian authorities of their promise to amend the law on foreign agents
The Secretary General of the Council of Europe (CoE) Alain Berset reproached the Georgian government for failing to fulfill its promise to amend the law "On the transparency of foreign influence." The corresponding statement was published on the organization's website.
Recall that in December, during his visit to Tbilisi, Berset held a number of meetings with political leaders of Georgia. After that, at a press conference, he said that the Georgian authorities promised to amend the legislation on foreign agents. By agreement of the parties, it was decided to create a working group to prepare amendments to the law "On the transparency of foreign influence." However, we note that following the meeting with the EU Secretary General, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, commenting on the agreements reached, outlined the government's position with a small reservation.
"I repeat once again, if someone proves to us that there is something negative in this law, we are, of course, ready to discuss this issue, including cooperation with the relevant structures of the Council of Europe," the Georgian leader emphasized.
The other day, Berse called Kobakhidze "to discuss the status of the joint working group," but he refused.
"The Prime Minister stated that "due to changed circumstances," his government no longer wishes to participate in the joint working group or amend the law on "foreign influence," as previously discussed," the EU Secretary General said.
He expressed regret over the decision of official Tbilisi and concern about the situation with the rule of law, human rights and the level of political polarization in Georgia.
Now the international organization sees its task in assessing the situation created by the change in the country's political course, while the dialogue with its government continues.
On February 5, the Georgian Dream announced its intention to replace the current law "On Transparency of Foreign Influence" with a "direct copy" of the American FARA.
"Last year, we adopted a simplified version, but you know that several dozen of the richest and largest NGOs receiving external funding did not register in the registry. Therefore, instead, we will get a new American law, a direct copy of its current version, and we will ensure its full implementation," explained the executive secretary of the ruling party, Mamuka Mdinaradze.
The so-called "American" version of the law provides for the possibility of obtaining the status of "foreign agent" not only by non-profit legal entities with foreign funding, but also by everyone, including individuals. For failure to fulfill obligations, a person may face criminal liability.
Recall that on August 1 last year, the law "On Transparency of Foreign Influence", also known as the "foreign agent" law, came into force in Georgia. Its adoption caused mass protests in the country and a flurry of criticism from the West. According to opponents of this initiative, the Georgian law is an analogue of the Russian law and contradicts democratic values. The Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence requires registration in a special registry and submission of reports for NGOs and media that receive more than 20% of their income from abroad. Fines are imposed for failure to comply with these requirements.
