**New Law Threatens Civil Society and Media**
On March 3, the Georgian Parliament approved a new law that will affect civil society organizations (CSOs) and independent media. The “Foreign Agents Registration Act” (FARA) is an update to a controversial law passed last year.
**What’s New?**
The previous law only applied to non-commercial legal entities and media organizations. FARA expands its scope to include all types of entities, including individuals, partnerships, and companies that work with foreign powers. This means online media, initiative groups, and remote workers may be affected.
**Key Provisions**
* A “foreign principal’s agent” will be any entity that operates under the control or supervision of a foreign power.
* Online media and CSOs are likely to be included in this category.
* The law introduces criminal liability for organizations and individuals who fail to register or comply with its requirements.
**Consequences**
If FARA is adopted, civil society organizations, online media, and individuals may face:
* A fine of 25,000 GEL for failing to register
* A fine of up to 5 years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both, for leaders and employees who fail to comply with the law
**Timeline**
The estimated date for the adoption of FARA is April 4, 2025. The new law will come into force 60 days after its adoption.
Read More @ civil.ge