**Georgian Parliament Approves Controversial Legislation Initiatives**
The Georgian parliament’s committees have approved several controversial legislative initiatives in their first reading. These include the addition of treason under the Criminal Code, a draft Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), and amendments to the Law on Broadcasting.
**Treason Added to Criminal Code**
The Legal Issues Committee has approved amendments to the Criminal Code that would introduce treason as a criminal offense. The new Article 307¹ would establish criminal liability for acts such as sabotage, aiding a foreign country or organization in hostile activities, and violating Georgia‘s territorial integrity.
**Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA)**
The Sectoral Economy and Economic Policy Committee has also endorsed the FARA in its first reading. This law would require organizations receiving foreign funding to register with the Anti-Corruption Bureau. The goal is to ensure media independence and restrict external influence on Georgian society.
**Law on Broadcasting Amendments**
The Sectoral Economy and Economic Policy Committee advanced two amendments to the Law on Broadcasting, tightening media regulations. These include standards for distinguishing between fact and commentary in news programs, restricting expression of personal positions when covering public policy issues, and restricting foreign funding of broadcasters.
**Consolidation of Control**
These developments reflect the ruling party’s continued efforts to consolidate control over political discourse, media freedom, and civil society. Since December 2024, the government has introduced a series of repressive legislative moves, widely seen as restrictive by human rights watchdogs.