Georgia’s Foreign Agents Registration Act marks a serious setback for the country’s democracy, it was noted in a joint Statement by High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas and Commissioner Marta Kos on Georgia’s Foreign Agents Registration Act, APA reports citing eeas.europa.eu.
"Alongside recent laws on broadcasting and grants, it represents another aggressive action by the Georgian authorities to suppress dissent, restrict freedoms, and further shrink the space for activists, civil society, and independent media," the statement said.
It was stated that these repressive measures threaten the very survival of Georgia’s democratic foundations and the future of its citizens in a free and open society.
"In its June and October 2024 conclusions, the European Council found that such course of action jeopardized Georgia’s EU path. The accession process has been de facto halted. The EU reiterates its call on the Georgian authorities to heed their citizens’ clear demands for democracy and a European future, and to release all unjustly detained journalists, activists,protesters, and political leaders. The EU is ready to consider the return of Georgia to the EU accession path if the authorities take credible steps to reverse democratic backsliding. The responsibility lies solely with the Georgian authorities," it was stated in the statement.
Note that the said act came into force today in Georgia. The ruling “Georgian Dream” party states that the law is a direct translation of the FARA law in the United States.
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