The EU Parliament criticizes the law on “foreign agents” adopted in Georgia, calling it a threat to independent media and civil society.
MPs have expressed “deep concern” over the introduction of the draft law “On Transparency of Foreign Influence” by Georgia’s leading party.
“This law, which passed its first reading in Parliament yesterday, is an attack on independent media and civil society organizations. It is incompatible with EU values and democratic principles. It contradicts Georgia’s EU membership ambitions and jeopardizes the country’s Euro-Atlantic integration,” the statement reads.
The MPs called on the Georgian government and parliament to cooperate with international partners to not let down the aspirations of most Georgian people for the EU.
The MPs are also concerned about reports of the use of special forces to disperse protesters.
“The right to peaceful protest is a fundamental right and must be strictly respected, especially in a country aspiring to become an EU member. Any indiscriminate use of force against peaceful protesters cannot be justified. We call on the Georgian leadership to protect freedom of speech and assembly and to avoid any escalation of violence,” the MPs said.
Despite criticism from the West and civil society, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said, “Nothing will prevent the final adoption of the law.”
