During a full committee hearing on global anti-democratic trends on September 12, the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee discussed the recent developments in Georgia, particularly the adoption of the foreign agents law. The hearing, titled “Anti-NGO Laws and Other Tools of Democratic Repression,” featured testimony from Eka Gigauri, head of Transparency International Georgia, an anti-corruption watchdog, and two representatives from Washington-based human rights groups.
The hearing was held in response to the growing trend of illiberal regimes in many countries using repressive laws to target their critics, including laws that restrict the work of critical non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Senator Ben Cardin, the Committee Chairman, expressed concern over this trend, stating that while the use of such laws is not new, more and more democratic or partially free nations are turning to them as tools of repression.
Senator Cardin also highlighted the efforts of the U.S. and the international community to counter these trends, but emphasized the need for more action and urgency. He specifically mentioned the Republic of Georgia, which has been seen as a beacon of democracy in the former Soviet Union, but recently adopted a foreign agents law similar to that of Russia. The Senator found it alarming that a country that has been a victim of Russian aggression would follow in their footsteps and use this law to target non-profits and activists.
The Senator also brought attention to the offensive posters that were hung in front of Eka Gigauri’s home, which she has to face every morning. He condemned the intention of these posters to question the loyalty of those who speak out against repressive laws. Senator Cardin stressed the responsibility of Congress to take bold legislative action to combat the use of these laws and support activists who are fighting for democracy.
Senator James E Risch, the Ranking Member, echoed Senator Cardin’s concerns about the global trend of autocrats trying to suppress dissent through repressive laws. He emphasized the need for the U.S. to stand up for democracy and support those who are fighting against these laws.
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