**NGOs Protest Russian Law in Georgia**
A group of 102 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and media outlets in Georgia are protesting a new law that they claim is an attempt by the government to suppress freedom. The NGOs, including human rights groups, media outlets, and community organizations, say the law is modeled after Russia’s own restrictive laws against civil society.
**The Law: Not a Good Fit for Georgia**
The new law aims to “repackage” the US Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) of 1938. However, this law does not restrict NGOs or media in the same way that Russia’s laws do. The NGOs argue that Ivanishvili‘s government is trying to silence their voices and suppress dissent.
**Repression on the Rise**
The NGOs point out that Ivanishvili’s government has been cracking down on civil society for years, with over 50 people arrested on political charges. They claim that this new law is an attempt to further restrict freedoms and intimidate citizens into silence.
**NGOs Stand Up for Freedom**
In response to the proposed law, the NGOs have issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to the Georgian Constitution and their mission to serve the Georgian people. The statement emphasizes that Georgia will never adopt Russian-style laws restricting civil society.
The organizations listed among the signatories include well-known groups such as Human Rights Center, Alternative Georgia, and Transparency International Georgia.