UN Georgia “regrets” adoption of bill on transparency of foreign influence

The Office of the United Nations in Georgia on Tuesday said it “regrets” the adoption of the law on transparency of foreign influence, which was approved by the Georgian Parliament earlier today on the backdrop of ongoing public protests.

The UN Georgia noted the bill posed “threats to freedoms of expression and association”, and risked impeding the work of civil society and media “as core pillars of Georgian democracy”.

This Law may disrupt critical social services rendered by civil society among other risks”, the Office added.

The body called for an “impartial investigation” of incidents of violence and intimidation during and after the protests, and stressed the UN remained “committed to continue working with partners to build an inclusive and just Georgia”.