Parliament approves first reading of controversial bill on transparency
It requires groups “considered to be an organisation pursuing the interests of a foreign power” to be registered in public registry with the status and publicise their received funding. Photo: Parliament of Georgia
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The Georgian Parliament on Wednesday approved the first reading of the bill on the transparency of foreign influence that has sparked public protests and criticism by some of the country’s foreign partners.
The legislative piece calls for registration of non-commercial legal entities and media outlets in the country as “pursuing the interests of a foreign power” if they derive more than 20 percent of their funding from abroad, and was supported by 83 MPs in the 150-member lawmaking body.
It requires groups “considered to be an organisation pursuing the interests of a foreign power” to be registered in public registry with the status and publicise their received funding.
The law empowers the Ministry of Justice to “conduct research and monitor the issue at any time in order to identify organisations pursuing the interests of a foreign power”.
The Parliament will have further two hearings of the draft law before it can be approved and enter into force.
The Georgian Parliament will on Wednesday continue discussions of the controversial domestic bill on transparency of foreign influence in its first hearing, the legislative body said.
Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Tuesday claimed the aim of public protests over the controversial domestic bill on transparency of foreign influence was to “suppress discussion and stage violent scenes”.
Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Tuesday claimed the domestic public was being targeted with an “assault of disinformation” amid a backlash by domestic opposition, civil sector and diplomatic representations in the country against the controversial bill on transparency of foreign influence.
Georgia cherishes and safeguards relations with partner countries. By taking into consideration the main priority of our foreign policy - EU integration - cooperation with high-ranking officials of the United States of America, European Union and EU Member States, including the ambassadors and exchange of ideas is a profound priority for us. We value every supportive step and statement of current ambassadors that are directed at solidifying the international positions of Georgia. Thus, every grounded advice and recommendation will further be accepted with special attention and care.