**Georgian CSOs Reject “Repackaged Russian Law”**
More than 100 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Georgia have spoken out against the proposed Foreign Agents Registration Act. They say it is a copy of a Russian law that targets independent media and NGOs, and they will not work under laws imposed by Russia.
The groups say the US law on which it’s based does not restrict their activities, while its Georgian version does. They also reject claims by the ruling party that the proposed law is similar to the US one.
**”Not Living Under Russian Laws”**
In a joint statement, the NGOs said they will not work under laws imposed by Russia. They reaffirmed their commitment to serving the people of Georgia and protecting freedom of speech and assembly.
One of the leaders of these groups, Nino Lomjaria, said that the government is trying to silence independent voices. She added that after recent arrests and repression, the government now wants to cut off funding for vulnerable families and silence the media.
**”Ivanishvili’s FARA”**
Another leader, Baia Pataraia, pointed out that the US law on foreign agents does not apply to NGOs or media organizations. She said the proposed Georgian law is different and targets CSOs.
Ucha Nanuashvili, a founder of the Democracy Research Institute, said that the main goal of this law is to serve Russian interests in Georgia. He emphasized that the law is unconstitutional and anti-people.
**Previous Attempts**
This is not the first time the government has tried to pass such a law. The Foreign Agents Law was introduced twice before but withdrew after public protests. It was reintroduced in 2024 and adopted despite opposition, leading to excessive force against demonstrators.
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