In Georgia, demonstrations are increasing to denounce the law on foreign influence, which its detractors consider inspired by Moscow. A text that could threaten the country’s European aspirations.
The law on foreign influences, adopted by the Georgian Parliament on May 14, despite weeks of almost daily demonstrations, continues to cause an outcry.
Opponents of this law believe that it is inspired by Moscow and that it could compromise the country’s European destiny.
Euronews journalist Valérie Gauriat traveled to Georgia to assess the situation.
“This law goes against democracy and human rights,” declared Mamuka Kotetishvili, a scientist, who came with his family to the Georgian Parliament, alongside several thousand demonstrators. “It will affect not only governance bodies, but also all areas of activity in Georgia, from the health system to the agricultural system,” he warns.
Georgia’s foreign influence law requires any entity with more than 20 percent of its funds to register as an “organization promoting the interests of a foreign power” and submit itself to administrative control by the ‘State.
Some 25,000 NGOs operating in all sectors of activity are concerned.
Critics say what they call the “Russian law” is inspired by similar legislation passed in Russia in 2012, which led to the silencing of all voices considered critical of the Kremlin.
Those dedicated to defending the rule of law and independent media believe they are most threatened.
“Being labeled as pursuing foreign interests only has negative connotations. It means we are foreign agents. Working within this framework will completely destroy trust in the media,” says Lika Zakashvili, co-founder and editor chief of the online media “Publika”.
“Under this law, the Department of Justice is allowed to access organizations and process personal information. This is particularly dangerous for media organizations, because we store the personal information of our sources. And it is dangerous for everything the world”.
The journalist and her colleagues were subjected to threats and attempts at intimidation. The same goes for Nino Dolidze, director of the Georgian branch of ISFED, a respected election monitoring organization.
“The government has decided to shut down all organizations that speak out about the issues, as it considers this a threat to its continued power. Our goal is to support free and fair elections in our country, we do not let’s not support the interest of another country,” she says.
“We will never register in this type of register, which means that it will create problems for us. There will be penalties, fines. And this will result in the closure of organizations that work on free and fair elections, the corruption, the independence of the judiciary, human rights, the rule of law and all watchdog type activities Ultimately, it will suit the government, because it will silence all voices. free.”
The government and its party deny any similarity with Russian legislation and say the fears of European officials, who are calling for the law to be withdrawn, are unfounded.
Brussels has warned that Georgia’s accession process to the European Union, which began last winter, could be hampered.
Maka Botchorishvili, head of the European Integration Commission of the Georgian Dream party, believes that the law is the subject of an unfair trial.
“There are problems with transparency when it comes to the financing of these organizations. Today we are talking about increased participation of these organizations in the political decision-making process in Georgia. It is important to have total transparency for our citizens, and to know who is behind their political positions and why”, declares the MP.
“It’s just about registering organizations, and the article that requires them to register states that this law cannot be used against the functioning of civil society organizations. And we are ready to discuss any recommendations regarding this legislation, if we have to bring it closer to European standards.”
The Russian inspiration of the law, however, is in no doubt for Salomé Zourabichvili, the president of Georgia. She vetoed the law and is calling for its outright repeal.
“This law which decrees our partners for 30 years, and European or American friends,
as those who are suspected of wanting to destabilize the country, and who constitute a real obstacle, I even used the word “sabotage” of our European path”, she criticizes.
The ruling party could, however, circumvent the president’s veto by a new vote in Parliament.
“This law will be adopted, the veto will be overridden, or it will be modified in a marginal and irrelevant manner. The important thing today is therefore to move forward towards the elections of October 26,” declared Salomé Zourabichvili.
“Through the elections we will have a referendum on Europe. And the European Union must make it very clear that the country will not be sanctioned until its answer is known at the ballot box.”
According to polls, more than 80% of Georgians want their country to join the European Union.
But an ideological battle is being fought between supporters of the Western model and the most conservative part of society, largely favorable to the government.
A sociology student, Megi, 22, is convinced that a lot will depend on the country’s “will” to integrate into the European Union.
“This fight is no longer just “No to Russian law”, it is “No to the Russian regime and Yes to Europe”, she exclaims. “We are going to come together every day, we we have to fight. And we are preparing for the elections. Because we want to live in a free country.”
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