Last year, Georgia’s ruling party, which has pro-Russian leanings, passed a law designating NGOs and media outlets that receive over 20 percent of their funding from abroad as “foreign agents.” This week, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze escalated his criticism of Western donors, accusing them of orchestrating efforts against the Georgian people and government. He claimed that foreign-funded NGOs had attempted to incite a revolution.
Another proposed law aims to eliminate the government’s obligation to include civil society in legislative discussions. “No one should be able to keep the country in a constant state of unrest with fabricated issues and false accusations,” said ruling party leader Mamuka Mdinaradze.
On Thursday, the Georgian parliament passed several new laws that impose stricter regulations on public gatherings and protests. One of these laws increases penalties for insulting a police officer, an offense now punishable by up to 60 days in prison. The penalties for defying police orders have also been intensified.
Additionally, the government recently revised public service laws, making it easier to dismiss civil servants. Amid ongoing protests against the government, several public employees have reported being fired for participating in demonstrations.
Journalists in Georgia told POLITICO that these measures are meant to suppress dissent.
“This will serve as a tool for censorship and media suppression by a regime that lacks independent institutions and courts,” said Lika Zakashvili, co-founder of the independent media outlet Publika.
Leave a Reply