**Georgian Dream’s New Law: A Blow to Civil Society?**
The Georgian Dream (GD) government has introduced a new amendment to the country’s Law on Grants, which requires foreign donors to obtain approval from the GD government before awarding grants to local organizations. This move has raised concerns among civil society groups and experts, who see it as an attempt to limit their independence and freedom of action.
**The Details**
According to the amendments, foreign donors will have to submit grant agreements to the GD government for approval. If approved, the grant will be disbursed. However, if not approved, the donor will face a fine equal to twice the amount of the grant. The rule does not apply to international sports associations and individual scholarships.
**Monitoring and Fines**
The Anti-Corruption Bureau, seen as a GD-controlled body, has been designated to monitor the awarding and receiving of grants. This move has sparked concerns that civil society groups may face harassment or intimidation if they receive funding from foreign donors without the government’s approval.
**Expert Analysis**
Lawyer and legal expert Saba Brachveli has criticized the amendments, saying they will allow the GD government to block funding to organizations working on human rights and other necessary issues. “In a week, Georgian Dream will ban any free assistance to people without its consent,” she wrote on social media.
**A Pattern of Restrictions**
This move comes after the GD parliament passed the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), which critics say is aimed at targeting civil society and the media. The law has already been signed into effect by the GD-elected president, Mikheil Kavelashvili, and will take two months to go into force.
**What’s Next?**
The amendments are set to be fast-tracked through parliament and enacted immediately after they receive presidential approval. This move has sparked concerns among civil society groups and experts, who fear that the GD government is seeking to limit their independence and freedom of action.
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