US says foreign agent law would derail Georgia’s EU path
- 10 April, 12:38
US State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller has said that the foreign agent law proposed by the ruling Georgia Dream party would derail the South Caucasus republic’s “European path.”
“We are concerned that the legislation would impede independent media organisations working to provide access for Georgian citizens to high-quality information’, Mathew Miller said. Asked whether Washington would resume its threats made last year about sanctioning MPs who voted for the adoption of the foreign agent law, Miller said: “Right now we are making clear that we are concerned with the - this draft legislation. With respect to what we might do if it moves forward, stay tuned’, he said.
The foreign agent law submitted to the Georgian parliament in February 2023, identifies as agents of foreign influence” any person or entity that receives 20% financing from abroad. The ruling party withdrew the proposed legislation concerning foreign agents in March 2023 following widespread protests. However, on April 3rd, the governing party declared their intention to reintroduce the draft law and pass it by the conclusion of the spring session, slated for June.
Last month, US State Department Spokesman Ned Price has said that anyone voting for Georgia's draft law on foreign agents will be responsible for potentially jeopardizing the country’s Euro-Atlantic future.
