Georgian opposition seeks UK support on foreign interference bill
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Georgian opposition leaders are urging the UK to take a stronger stance against what they perceive as a crackdown on civil society within their country. They specifically called on the foreign secretary to demonstrate to the ruling party that the international community is unified in opposing the proposed measures.
The Transparency of Foreign Influence Bill is expected to clear its final parliamentary stages in the coming days, prompting mass protests in Tbilisi against the law. Under this legislation, non-governmental organizations and media entities would be required to register as “organisations serving the interests of a foreign power” if more than 20% of their funding originates from overseas.
While the governing Georgian Dream party argues that the bill enhances transparency and protects Georgia’s sovereignty, opponents argue that it will be used to suppress opposition voices and parties ahead of the upcoming general election in October. They also believe it aims to disrupt Georgia’s aspirations to join the European Union, as the EU would not accept such a law.
Critics have dubbed the legislation “the Russian law” due to its similarity to laws utilised by the Kremlin to silence dissenting voices.
