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As Georgia presses on with 'Russia-style' laws, its citizens describe a country on the brink
https://apnews.com/article/georgia-democracy-protests-eu-media-human-rights-4d6da6d13838074500787cf535cb1a86(photos, more links, at source)
As Georgia presses on with ‘Russia-style’ laws, its citizens describe a country on the brink
BY JOANNA KOZLOWSKA
Updated 12:03 AM EDT, July 21, 2024
[...]
The “foreign influence” law requires media, civil society groups and nonprofit organizations to register as “pursuing the interests of a foreign power” if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad. It also subjects them to intense state scrutiny and imposes steep fines for noncompliance.
The government argues the law is needed to curb harmful foreign actors trying to destabilize the South Caucasus nation of 3.7 million. Many journalists and activists say its true goal is to stigmatize them and restrict debate before an election scheduled for October. It could also threaten Georgia’s bid to join the European Union.
[...]
The law resembles similar legislation in Russia, where it has been used to crack down on opposition supporters, independent media and human rights activists. Georgian Dream, the country’s ruling party, got the legislation through on its second attempt.
In 2012, after years of turbulence, Georgian Dream came to power. The party was set up by Bidzina Ivanishvili, a shadowy billionaire who made his fortune in Russia and served briefly as Georgia’s prime minister. He has stayed out of public view since 2013.
[...]
BY JOANNA KOZLOWSKA
Updated 12:03 AM EDT, July 21, 2024
[...]
The “foreign influence” law requires media, civil society groups and nonprofit organizations to register as “pursuing the interests of a foreign power” if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad. It also subjects them to intense state scrutiny and imposes steep fines for noncompliance.
The government argues the law is needed to curb harmful foreign actors trying to destabilize the South Caucasus nation of 3.7 million. Many journalists and activists say its true goal is to stigmatize them and restrict debate before an election scheduled for October. It could also threaten Georgia’s bid to join the European Union.
[...]
The law resembles similar legislation in Russia, where it has been used to crack down on opposition supporters, independent media and human rights activists. Georgian Dream, the country’s ruling party, got the legislation through on its second attempt.
In 2012, after years of turbulence, Georgian Dream came to power. The party was set up by Bidzina Ivanishvili, a shadowy billionaire who made his fortune in Russia and served briefly as Georgia’s prime minister. He has stayed out of public view since 2013.
[...]