Why Georgia's 'foreign agent' law could dash the country's hopes of joining the EU | DW News

Thousands of protesters rallied in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, for a third day on Wednesday after lawmakers advanced a controversial media bill which opponents fear will undermine the country's ambition of joining the European Union (EU).
The proposed law would require media and non-commercial organizations to register as being under foreign influence if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad.
It has been denounced by critics as the "Russian law" because of parallels with a "foreign agents" legislation used by Moscow to clamp down on criticism of the Kremlin.
The bill passed its first reading in parliament on Wednesday with 83 votes by members of the ruling Georgian Dream party. Opposition parliamentarians boycotted the vote.
For more on this DW spoke to Salome Zourabichvili, Georgia's President.
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#georgia #russia #eu

[@chillout914]

I knew georgians in berlin one of the nicest people you can meet in your life a mix between europe and the middle east they are very lucky of that mix !!

[@k.s.mountakis170]

So basically she's a foreign agent.

[@user-oy5mm3pb2g]

Precisely. Now she is blaming Fyssua and never mentioned how much she is receiving from USAID and others.

[@Richardsonprincess00]

Georgia needs to be independent from this nightmare of Russia for all the might of cost.

[@RUTHLESSambition5]

Georgia doesn't want to look like Ukraine 😂😂😂They arent strong enough and the west is all talk

[@stevanjakovljevic8390]

This is USA law , they got this law before ww2 , so its " western" law.

[@stevemcgowen]

They let in so many when the war started. They may as well be Ruzzia at this point.

[@stevemcgowen]

@@stevanjakovljevic8390the USA isn’t in the EU.

[@delos2279]

@@stevanjakovljevic8390 You're hung up on words but it's nothing like FARA in the US. Not even close. It's more like Russia style authoritarian laws, and Human Rights Watch also detailed how it could be used to crush independent trade unions.

[@evelina733]

Good luck to Georgia! Hopefully they can become fully independent❤️❤️

[@RUTHLESSambition5]

Why is the west so against the people knowing who funds these groups?? I'm sure America would not like an org with 50% of it's funding from North Korea

[@georgelashx2353]

we are independent but the corrupt politicians in parliament want this law, which will be in their favor

[@churblefurbles]

@@georgelashx2353 The corrupt EU is not the answer, look at Ukraine.

[@SunS13707]

Rise people. You people be the JUDGE. God bless Georgia's President. ❤❤❤ Peace and love.

[@Samaa-os7hx]

Which western funded NGO (aka spy agency) you work for then?

[@hmq31415]

This is the best time for all to be free from ruzzia. Hope Georgia can take it. All the best to them.

[@antony6799]

Georgia doesn't want to look like Ukraine, Ukraine got used and dumped by the west

[@ktcalle1740]

@@antony6799Only authoritarian regimes wants to be friend or part of the Russian sphere. You see both Armenia and Kazakstan more and more turning to the west.

[@darth856]

@@antony6799 how exactly has Ukraine gotten "dumped"? Support is continueing to come in. But they can't very well join NATO or EU in the midst of all out civil war, now can they?.

[@Silver_Prussian]

How are they tied to russia ? The georgians long ago chose the wrong path to walk on. They declined cooperating with russia and the rest of asia in favour of the west. Russia has nothing to do with this, yes again they will make the wrong choice and then after another 10 20 years wonder why hasnt anything improved and why the NGOs they love so much arent really doing anything

[@Silver_Prussian]

​@@darth856 support is continuing really how so ? The last ,,packages" as the westerners call it were worth millions, before that it was billions. Though it does not matter much since most of it is going into the pockets of a few, corrupt politicians and the MIC

[@HatBilly2008]

Love Georgia, I lived there for over a year, amazing views, and people.

[@maridavitas6243]

Thank you❤

[@frayris]

lithuanians love georgia. keep strong

[@irinalezhava2577]

Achu, friends!

[@vulpesdraco1669]

Да, да, да...

[@guramidgebuadze7691]

There will be Georgian government and Russian bots, but the real reason is that voice of the people will be lost and the government will be able to do what it wants without any consequences

[@johnleclerc8806]

You say the voice of the people will be lost. How?

[@vulpesdraco1669]

​@@johnleclerc8806 Голос народа? Какого народа? Всё решает активное меньшинство, это сейчас навязывает США

[@univeropa3363]

Because it would make it harder for foreign capital to influence Georgian politics.

[@perkele9994]

Or maybe because it would restrict about 90% of the worlds news organizations, and let the Georgian government freely censor these organizations that while may be funded by foreign capital are usually rather independent?

[@lupolinar]

Yeah, really dumb when you want to join an union which would give you money for the foreseable future to build your country... Better to be depend on Russia, right?

[@mariajones8304]

You mean Russian politics

[@gaborrajnai6213]

Lets say there are a very few of them partially independent. Remember the hard BSing what they made about Ukraine, everyone knew full well they are lying. @@perkele9994

[@univeropa3363]

@@mariajones8304 No, I'm pretty sure I don't. Russia has its own laws, I don't think a law in Georgia will make it harder for foreign capital to influence Russian politics.

[@ioannisdimakis7460]

Georgia's Zelenski

[@anakacharava4159]

Slava Ukraine!🇬🇪🇺🇦❤

[@anakacharava4159]

Zelenski❤👌

[@peter320vn]

Lots of Russian in the comment 🤫

[@fluidice1656]

Lots of vatniks, yeah.

[@dzonikg28]

Lots off western imperialist in comments

[@user-oy5mm3pb2g]

They are obsessed with Russia.

[@user-dd5ig1dk6r]

Transparency is now Russian strategy 😮😅😅😅😂

[@nsn1080]

This has nothing to do with transparency. The only thing not transparent is the transactions of the Russian puppets in our government. They want to use this law in a similar way to how Putin did in Russia to silence and persecute opposition. They also hope to get eliminate international observers during elections.

[@delos2279]

Sweet summer child, just like the Russian analog, that law isn't about transparency. It's about state control.

[@SerginhoPMoura]

"Transparency" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@RealPolitik-dy4it]

@@delos2279 But in the case of Georgia, wouldn’t people and entities receiving funding from Russia also have to register as Foreign Agents under that law?

[@LukaLuka-di5nd]

@@delos2279 its not russian analog. it has nothing to do with russian law its very different 😂😂😂😂

[@blairh6408]

Keep your identity Georgia. If an organization doesnt want you to know who is paying for your news feed they aren't anyone you want as friends. Explain why knowing that is a bad thing for anyone? Ridiculous.

[@hus390]

It’s fine to have FARA law in 🇺🇸(Foreign Agents Registration Act), and jail those who violate it. But when Georgia and other countries do that, it’s a threat to freedoms and democracy?🧐

[@peterzeman2749]

What is wrong with registering as a foreing agent when you receive more than 20% funding from abroad? Which part people dont like? The fact that it is called "agent"? It is true that the word does not sound good, but it is only a word. Or the treshold is too low? Should it be at least 50%?

[@danielle6133]

Government can have more control over organizations (even volunteer ones) since they can use this bill as an excuse to red tag these groups into being spies or supportive of foreign powers.

[@sydneypsycho]

The problem here is that Madam President can't answer properly. Georgia's foreign policy law looks okay. It can't be the exact same as the US's, as it was adopted in 1938. The US Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) and similar laws exist in many democratic countries around the world. Most recently, France's parliament passed a FARA-like foreign interference bill. Do some research before you reply.

[@DrMarkusVII]

FARA targets groups that do lobbying & engage in politics, other western laws also have such activity requirements. With proposed Georgian law the only requirement for labelling someone a foreign agent is the blanket 20% funding rule. i.e. if some NGO builds solar panels for remote villages, or does wildlife preservation work, or works with domestic abuse victims etc. on EU grants will be labelled foreign agent under this law.

[@connerpog]

russian bot 💀🙏

[@DagNeb_It]

Fight Georgia 🇬🇪. Fight for your Freedom!!!

[@iskanderstrel]

Yeah yeah. Let them topple their government over a law which is a copy of a US law, hehe

[@pibroch]

Don't pick a fight with Russia and end up like Ukraine.

[@knifeworld3048]

Yeah ​@@pibrochis right

[@whatgoesaroundcomesaround920]

No law like that here in the US!

[@whatgoesaroundcomesaround920]

How did Ukraine "pick a fight" with Russia -- other than insisting that Russian-captured territory was still Ukraine's regardless?

[@bobsayshello7112]

Law they're trying to inforce is different than the ones that are in other eu countries people.

[@ninodolidze2742]

Amazing woman! She is always honest and clear! She is absolutely right about everything.

[@Samaa-os7hx]

🤣

[@hus390]

It’s fine to have FARA law in 🇺🇸(Foreign Agents Registration Act), and jail those who violate it. But when Georgia and other countries do that, it’s a threat to freedoms and democracy?🧐

[@fimatekint6286]

Germany's tax laws limit a tax-exempt NPO's engagement in political activities. A tax- exempt NPO must not spend any of its assets to directly or indirectly benefit political parties, such as through campaigning (Fiscal Code §55(1)).

[@vetrino4ever]

What is the protest for, one part is saying we don’t want foreigners influence the other doesn’t. Was that wrong assessment?

[@ovwieogheneobie2998]

I believe America Australia etc has a similar law. If u ve nothing to hide then why not declare source of funding?

[@PeterSedesse]

The problem isn't the law, the problem is that Russia uses these lists to arrest people and harass them.

[@nsn1080]

It makes a big difference who is implementing this law. In putins hands they used it to suppress freedom of speech, Russian puppets in Georgian government want to use it to intimidate western organizations observing elections and so on. The government transactions and funds are the least transparent thing in Georgia and they hope to gain even more power by using this law against whoever tries to criticize them.

[@RealPolitik-dy4it]

Yep. It’s called FARA (Foreign Agent Registration Act) in the United States. Violating the law can lead to a fine of up to $250,000, and/or a prison sentence of up to 5 years.

[@whatgoesaroundcomesaround920]

The FARA is for anyone or group representing the interests of a foreign nation. It has nothing to do with funding. US doesn't assume that an NGO or business is going to cause problems if a certain % of their funding comes from abroad. They want to know right up front if a person or org. is going to be representing a foreign nation, even if its funding is 100% from the US. There's a big difference in attitude between this and the proposed law in Georgia.

[@ovwieogheneobie2998]

@@whatgoesaroundcomesaround920 not really correct. Wen ur organization gets funded because u represent a foreign entity like a media house giving narrative how EU is better than Russia. I think everyone wants to know funding source, either public or private entity, that way we know d bias

[@jhylton4274]

Can the ngo use money from outside sources to lobby for support

[@EventH]

Foreign interest should not be allowed to funnel money into a country to influence its politcal directions or policies. Look at what is happening in across the pond right now. People are protesting in the streets about the open air prison on the strip yet the 'bought' political representatives are singing to the tune of their paymasters.

[@mateabonyi299]

you are too vague, payed by anyone perchance?

[@EventH]

@@mateabonyi299 way too many (for a variety of causes)... from wiki, In 2007, the DOJ reported that there were approximately 1,700 lobbyists representing more than 100 countries before Congress, the White House, and federal agencies, many of whom were not registered under FARA. To some lobbying euphemism for...

[@betsyslaughter76]

AIPAC! JFK wanted the parent company of AIPAC to register as a foreign agent but then he got assassinated. LBJ welcomed them with open arms. As a senator, Biden was the biggest recipient of AIPAC funding. Look where we are today, complicit in a genocide.

[@jtothed8575]

America has FARA.. same law.. lol..😂😂

[@alanhamford2538]

The Bill is meant to curb the National Endowment for Democracy pumping in millions to fund student unrest. I'll wager those commenting here that the Bill is bad still haven't figured out who did NS.

[@user-oy5mm3pb2g]

Seems the lady is not aware of that.😂😂😂

[@jtothed8575]

@@user-oy5mm3pb2g She is. They just like to call it Russia’s law. Even though most western countries have the same type of law on the books.

[@jhylton4274]

Why do the ngo want to hide the source of the funding....what is the logical reason

[@mrbad3036]

Wouldn't this law negatively affect the Kremlin propagandists in Gerogia as well?

[@dalebriansmith4029]

Actually no. It's not illegal to be pro-Putin, and therefore the organization would not be shut down, They are free to do what they want, I believe the current biggest scandal was Russian businessmen selling newborns to "the highest bidder " . Putting Georgian women to sleep, and then telling them their children died, and were stillborn. -This "business" recently came to light with the use of DNA tests. it is estimated that 30,000 children were sold this way. Even now, it has been impossible to get justice for the mothers. the NGOs trying to seek justice and accountability are currently being forced to close, and this is without the law! Those that are considered "anti-Russian" would be harassed, until they close down. Once registered as a "foreign Agent" there would be no legal way to stay afloat. Unfortunately, drugging women and selling their children made a lot of russians ( and georgians ) very wealthy. indeed, those affiliated would also be banned from politics, specifically those that outrightly state they support "decoupling the Georgian economy from the Kremlin" , they would be the first to get banned.

[@tamaztokhadze418]

No, for two reasons (1) Russia does not have official non-governmental organizations in Georgia and they do their influence illicitly without any disclosure. (2) This law's intention is not transparency, because we already have laws that require all non-governmental organizations to disclose their money. The sole intention is to label critical media and pro-western organizations as agents of foreign influence and sabotage Georgia's European aspirations.

[@MarthaSofiaTV]

“The most fundamental and important legal difference between FARA and the Georgian foreign agents law is how they define a “Foreign Agent.” The Georgian law defines a foreign agent as any non-commercial legal person, which receives more than 20% of its funding from a “foreign power,” which includes companies, foundations, and individuals, not just governments. The US law, on the other hand, defines a foreign agent as any person (legal or physical) who is under the control of, or acts at the direction of, a foreign power and acts in the interests of that foreign power. In short, these are the elements of an agent - a representative - of a foreign power. Financing is only one of several indicators of the link between the principal and the agent. But it is not definitive or exclusive, while under the Georgian law it is both.”

[@Samaa-os7hx]

So, the Georgian law doesn't go fara enough lol

[@johnleclerc8806]

Many Western nations have registration requirements. What is the objection to this law? How is it "undemocratic"?

[@captspiff6922]

"Yeah,.... I don't really want a law that requires my organization to disclose where we get a great portion of our funding. I want the source of our funding to remain secret. You can just trust us." ......Says only the politicians in power!

[@gaborrajnai6213]

How is an organization nongovernmental, if it is financed by a foreign government?

[@anakacharava4159]

You seem "smart". 🤡 If an NGO implements a project and receives a grant from another government for a project, for example to help people with disabilities, does that mean that the NGO is a government organization?🤡

[@GwynBleys]

Yeah its also none profit but their CEOs drive Ferraris

[@n0name264]

I'll just remind you how this law works in Russia. There is a civil activist and blogger Ilya Pigalkin in the Russian city of Ivanovo. He is not affiliated with any foreign organization. He was just an observer at the local elections. Once his female neighbor borrowed 2,000 rubles ($25) from him, and then her husband repaid the debt with a transfer from his bank card. The husband at that time was a citizen of Afghanistan, then he obtained Russian citizenship. And this bank transfer became the reason for declaring Pigalkin a "foreign agent". This is no joke: a neighbor paid back a debt and the man was declared a foreign agent. All because the ruling party doesn't need honest election observers.

[@felipefc9747]

Georgia needs to be independent from Russia and from the West. In my opinion forcing foreign agents to register is a good thing. The USA forces foreign agents to register (except for the Israeli ones). Why Georgia can not do the same? Ukraine became a puppet of the USA, this is a good move of Georgia not to follow the steps of Ukraine.

[@gaborrajnai6213]

Its funny regarding that youtube signs under your video who is your exact financier. Not that I see any problem with that.

[@randypatungan2525]

😭🙏

[@hannibal8314]

Double standard as usual

[@kwektans]

It's a democracy. Instead of crying, just vote them out and reverse the law..🤷

[@anakacharava4159]

Do the elections in Russia and Belarus change the government? When you have an authoritarian government, it is difficult to change the government through elections. That is why revolutions happen.

[@kwektans]

@@anakacharava4159 We talking Georgia here; aren’t we?

[@sellenis3]

@kwektans, you are a genius! How come we haven't thought about that until now?! hmm 🤔

[@anakacharava4159]

@@kwektans Yes, we are talking about Georgia, but you don't seem to know that this government has already come for the third term and now wants to stay in power for the fourth term, so they are doing everything to limit the civil sector. They rigged the previous elections and they are going to do the same now. I did not vote for them during any election, but as you can see, they are still in power. We Georgians want to change the government through elections, but Russian oligarch Ivanishvili doesn't want to lose power, that's why he ordered his slaves to adoption of the ,,RuZZian law".

[@anakacharava4159]

@@kwektans To win the elections, the current government used voter intimidation, bribery, use of administrative resources, fraud, and is now trying to pass laws that would allow them to remain in power.

[@20luzer52]

US has a foreign agent law. They apply to all countries except for Israel. Georgia can do the same, have a foreign agent law to control Russian's influence but make exception for NGOs and foreign agents funded by US and EU. This way it will make Georgia government looks good while in reality, Georgia can still become a vassal state of the US and EU. Ooops, did I just say that out loud !?!?

[@magicalhats]

Seems like the president and the people are united. But unfortunately the government is too divided and unstable if this bill keeps coming up. Candidates for membership should be broadcasting a stable united government. But i do believe this is a good first steps towards Georgias goals for EU membership and once their government can all be in the same mindset of what needs to be done and not to have their people protest unjust laws every time, when that time happens, I believe Georgia needs to be a member.

[@ultimatethoughts.]

Bro President and people are not.Actually President and her western masters.Because this law is a good thing.If you have any idea about colour revulations you already know how western powers organise people’s protests all over the world to serve their interests. Eastern Europe,Asia, Africa already saw that. They just wanna keep funding those to fulfil their interests.

[@sammytsang7479]

I think what Georgia wants UK already has such laws.

[@giorgiabhaz2915]

Let this lady free President Saakashvili, she has the authority.

[@junielesparas8018]

Not also a Georgia 😢

[@Rod732]

Georgia was invaded by Russia before Ukraine

[@juansantana8448]

The law is totally reasonable and appropriate, even the US have such a law, so why not Georgia? Ah, yes, the West still trying to win Georgia for its expansion plans in the East, and needs it as a buffer zone against Russia. Well. the only thing to say is that Georgia should not listen to either EU or Russia, and drive a middle road between the two, in other words, be friends, and trade with both, but no military bases to threaten the other from either side.

[@user-qjxfs8]

Russian law? This is american law 😂😂

[@iNDREI_Ro]

USA has Foreign Agent Registration Act. So...

[@15thga87]

God Bless that poor woman. She has had to bear many burdens and climb many mountains in that country against Russian influence.

[@Samaa-os7hx]

🤣

[@knifeworld3048]

Georgia should be a part of Turkey like in the good old days

[@juansantana8448]

It is not Russia forcing Georgia one way or another, it is the EU blackmailing Georgia legitima leaders!

[@felipe-vibor]

Which country first passed the foreign agent law?

[@RealPolitik-dy4it]

The United States passed FARA in 1938.

[@The_Wild_World]

This law was first introduced and enacted in the usa.

[@sot11cat]

Referendum right now

[@Thomas-us4wq]

I think something needs to be done to prevent Russian influence in all western states.. If a law like this is the answer, I do not know.. But it could be used as part of it.. Maybe ?

[@araara4746]

Should the world also do something to prevent US influence in the eastern state?

[@Thomas-us4wq]

@araara4746 Good question. 👍 I think it depends. If the US has malicious intent, then I think the answer is yes. But if the intent is good for both the country, it excerpts influence on and for the influencer, then I think the answer is no.

[@ovwieogheneobie2998]

@@Thomas-us4wqso who will be the person to judge if it’s good or bad, remember ur perspective doesn’t make d call

[@araara4746]

So in your opinion, when it comes to US influence we have to consider whether it is good or bad, whereas when it comes to Russian influence we no longer need to consider it because it is definitely bad? Isn't that a double standard? If you look at history and be honest, US influence in a region is always in the interests of the US. US incites rebellion, overthrow of legitimate government, and the like. US influence in Ukraine overthrew the legitimate government through the Color Revolution. US influence in the Middle East supports settlement and genocide carried out by Israel. US influence in Southeast Asia creates tension in the South China Sea. US influence in Taiwan creates tension with China, even though the US itself does not recognize Taiwan as a country. How can a country that lives from war and selling weapons have a good influence?

[@Thomas-us4wq]

@@araara4746 Russia considers itself in a hybrid war with the West, and it's obvious that Russia have been conducting extensive hybrid attacks on other countries in the region for decades now. As well as invading any neighbour who showed interest in becoming part of NATO or the EU. Georgia being one of those neighbours. I think Georgia and western countries are prudent to distrust Russia at all times now. For every other nation including the USA, then it's prudent to be aware if the influence is good or bad. I will let it be up to you to decide if it constitutes double standards, or not to treat enemies different than friendlies and neutrals. Regarding US influence, I agree that it has not always been a win win situation. And I agree that in many cases the influence of the US has provoked conflict. But when considering WW2 then I think the military and post war aid to European countries was hugely succesful. And a definitive win win for both the USA and for Europe. I think the difference between successful and unsuccessful interventions is the post war aid. It is this that made Europe a thriving region. Even Germany received post war aid. This is part of the reason why USA became a world leading super power. Back then the USA was helping nations fighting invading forces. The USA was a force for good and the support was strong and consistent.

[@sparten11742]

I bet CIA did this

[@peterchittavong2675]

The reason Georgian people could not make their decision whom they will join is eu or russia that is result of problems

[@DRKrust492]

The interviewer needs to not interrupt her guest. Clearly, Putin has invested some of his dwindling foreign currencies in buying some Georgian politicians.

[@user-oy5mm3pb2g]

Foreign agents bills in the West are honorable, but foreign agents bills in Eastern Europe are anti democratic. Seems Geirgia want a taste of what Ukraine is receiving.😂😂😂

[@omoladewellington960]

It's kind of harsh law.

[@movingshapes]

How are these lawmakers in power? How voted them in, in the first place?

[@EventH]

Maybe the ones protesting in the streets now represent the minority in Georgia?

[@maridavitas6243]

❤

[@user-mc2sf2kt8q]

Und manchmal gibt es gute Leute unter den Deutschen!

[@80-80.]

The Georges must now decide whether they want to become like Russia/Berlarus. Does it look tempting?

[@ovwieogheneobie2998]

It looks tempting since imf said Russia growth outpacing all developed economies

[@claudinefiona9698]

Don't forget or Ukraine?

[@Just4Kixs]

As an Asian, Georgia is definitely European in culture despite sharing the same continent.

[@GwynBleys]

That depends, do you have to kill the guy who failed to marry your sister in Europe? Because that is still considered normal in Georgia

[@luisalberto_travel]

Europe and Asia are one country man 😅😅😅

[@Just4Kixs]

@@luisalberto_travel country? lol Says the Hispanic who has never travelled the world.

[@Timmy1946]

🇬🇪🇪🇺🇺🇦

[@ubaka1979]

Very creditable law at that, I don't see any😢wrong in controlling of foreign Aid .😮😮😮😮

[@valerianpantsulia5137]

Our president is a true patriot, thank you very much

[@naskutak]

But USA gas same law

[@Herodotus__]

Americans shpuld rise also. They have the same law, lmao

[@clown77776]

That's pretty random to have a president on the show.

[@basbekjenl]

A country is it's people, governments can only go against their people's wishes for so long. As long as there are people with dreams for a future they will work loudly or silently to make that future a reality.

[@thomasbenian4701]

Something does not jive here. How does Russia influence the Georgian government when we know that Georgia is practically in a state of hostilities with Russia due to 2008 war, Abkhazia and Ossetia? The problem seems to be internal division in the country. The elected government wants to pass the foreign influence law and the madam president wants to veto it. But apparently the government has enough votes in the parliament to override her veto. Sounds to me like democracy. So what is wrong? Russia did not make the Georgian government to pass this law. Where is the truth? Before I let this go with a big question mark, the USA has such a law on the books since 1938 and just now in Canada there is this big debate about foreign interference in elections. Not Russia but China, India and Pakistan. There are reasons why governments pass such laws.

[@azamatshayakhmetov1825]

Georgia is preparing to be next western tool😂

[@valerianpantsulia5137]

Cool////////

[@dalebriansmith4029]

Do not be fooled into thinking that "transparency" = honesty . Indeed, it is the very opposite and the Kremlin has worked on the wording for a year...becasue all organizations in Georgia are fully transparent already. The law is designed to TARGET anyone who seeks to avoid the isolation of Georgia. The law is designed to TARGET all "ruZZia-phobic" voices, the end game ? ::::SUFFOCATE Georgian economic growth and prosperity:: The law is designed to substitute and compensate for the failed assimilation of Ukraine -The law means that under "suspicion" , any organization that is critical of Putin's regime would be targetted and shut down this means. - opposition to the illegal occupation, ( 20% of Georgia is already occupied ) SHUT DOWN - opposition to forcing women out of politics, (women are "supposed to" marry and provide soldiers ) SHUT DOWN - any human rights organizations opposing the indoctrination of children, gradually forced to join "soviet groups" that prepare them to die, for Putin or provide children to die for Putin. SHUT DOWN - Businesses that open areas of developing economy outside of the Kremlin, ( all industry would be dependent on Russian business only ) SHUT DOWN - russification and gradual removal of the Georgian language. free speech and use of English/German/ "western languages " SHUT DOWN I think you see why people have been protesting.

[@PeterSedesse]

The problem isnt the law or the wording of the law. The problem is that russia has the same law and uses it to limit, harass and arrest organizations based on it. If you are a gun rights activist in the usa it is similar to the idea of registering your guns. On its own that is not so bad, but the reason gun rights people are against it is because they believe the govt will use those lists against people later on.

[@TheOne30264]

I am pretty sure most country has this law including the U.S.

[@delos2279]

@@TheOne30264 The US law (FARA) is completely different and particularly after 1966 it is much much more focused. The Georgia/Russia laws hits everything. Trade unions, businesses, etc... It is authoritarian overreach. It's like how both China and the USA have president's. One is not like the other.

[@irinalezhava2577]

@@TheOne30264 Not this exactly

[@MWENDA-vv5im]

It's not a Russian Law; it's an American Law. The USA adopted a similar law in the 1930s.

[@ingai7014]

Read the law then 🇺🇸

[@GiorgiTch937]

It isn't because US clearly stated who is enemy, as for European countries it also says that law doesn't includes EU countries. when our law doesn't say anything who is included and who isn't. this is one big difference.

[@gaborrajnai6213]

Enemy? The US law has nothing to do with enemies. It requires anyone who lobbies for a foreign interest group to register.@@GiorgiTch937

[@leonardoorellano6652]

@@GiorgiTch937 can you please elaborate.. i don't understand your rebuttal... you are saying that we don't have a similar law here in the US? In essence you don't want a foreign government to influence the option of the people... whether it is the US or Russia or China.

[@nigelgarrett7970]

Between 1966 and 2015 inclusive FARA was used 7 times resulting in 5 successful prosecutions. 7 times in 50 years. I have found RFAL was used at least 148 times between 2012 and 2016. 148 times in 5 years. That is the difference between the American and Russian legislation.

[@DavidRodriguez-wp7zi]

Can't Russia stop bothering their neighbors?

[@luisalberto_travel]

Why do you blame Russia here? European Union put conditions to make deals with them, Russia the same, USA would do the same, so? At the end is their decision 😅

[@bobsayshello7112]

Nope

[@tengchuankhoo6585]

Georgia relationship with Russia sounds like German relationship with US right

[@BadWolf-]

I find it suspicious that you would not want transparency regarding who funds the ngos in your country. I certainly make a point of knowing mine. Maybe you should too.Sounds like you might be having a “problem” there? Don’t try to drag me into a fight between you and Russia. I am not interested.

[@damien_m-gm1sn]

The NGOs finances are already transparent as they have to account for every penny they receive & spend both to the grantors & tax authorities. The problem is that this law will label any organization that takes 20% of its funding from some EU grant for say building shelters for domestic abuse victims as "foreign agents"

[@bobsayshello7112]

First of all if you're not interested dont click and get education first maybe; the law they're trying to inforce differs from the law that exists in us and eu

[@silafaupaulmeredith7251]

All countries have similar laws. This stops foreign interferences working through NGOIS funded by NED a CIA branch. The US also has similar laws which why why they banned RT

[@mariajones8304]

Fight for your freedom if you don’t want to be like Belorussia.

[@karhutitan1371]

It's wonderful in Belarus. Why fight against the good?

[@antony6799]

Haha Belarus actually has better living standards than Georgia

[@hus390]

It’s fine to have FARA law in 🇺🇸(Foreign Agents Registration Act), and jail those who violate it. But when Georgia and other countries do that, it’s a threat to freedoms and democracy?🧐

[@kory2578]

Berlin 1945

[@Stevejoesofficial]

Imagine wanting to join the eu. It’s literally destroying itself in real-time

[@Exxperiment626]

Georgia isn't even a European country.

[@jeremytine]

is it? it has a higher gdp than china with less than 1/3 the population

[@vagabond919]

Georgia was a part of the Soviet Union won't go anywhere.

[@Scapestoat]

Funny. I have been hearing that from russo-bots for 20 years now. And we're still here and doing well.

[@delta_glider4362]

@@jeremytine 1. gdp include admin spending - it's bs indicator. 2. census 1989 - population 5.4mil census 2022 - population 3.7mil good countries don't loose 1/3 of their population

[@1truthplease]

That s not accurate! The law supports clarity , transparent declaration of who (what agency) and how spends money in the country . Sick of Georgia being sold and shorted !

[@JemmyMukooza-fe2sp]

Join eu,please

[@chamberpot969]

The same law exists in the US.

[@neilirvine7129]

Please, say the name of the law.

[@ovwieogheneobie2998]

@@neilirvine7129it’s good to read a lot (The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) was enacted in 1938) read and get informed

[@sydneypsycho]

It can't be the exact same as it was adopted in 1938. The US Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) is similar to this, and similar laws exist in many democratic countries around the world. Most recently, France's parliament passed a FARA-like foreign interference bill. Do some research before you reply.

[@Rod732]

NO IT IS NOT THE SAME

[@nsn1080]

This law is designed to limit European influence, not Russian.

[@jackhardy3905]

A president who was never born in Georgia

[@iskanderstrel]

Georgia should become a part of Turkey

[@claus-not-santa]

Why not China???

[@kimchan382]

Fun Fakt: Same law are existed in: Germany, UK, France, US and the rest oft the West.

[@delos2279]

That's like calling China a democracy because Xi Jinping calls himself President. The words are the same, the laws are completely different. That said, almost the same law exists in Russia (and we know how they use it).

[@DrMarkusVII]

Not really, the countries you mentioned have much narrower definitions for being labelled foreign agent than "you too 20% of finances for building a solar array for your village from EU? you're a foreign agent now"

[@ubaka1979]

US and Eu /NATO They are still in Ukraine problem now they want to push Georgia again into another ,democracy champions.

[@lowwastehighmelanin]

Use words that make sense what are you even trying to say??

[@simhaleo8973]

Joining EU??? Dream on Georgians….

[@Shaun-Vargas]

we need this law in The USA, our country is ran by other countries, and the rich

[@robertnowak1267]

who is afraid of the new law ?????the answer is the foreign agents...adopt the USA law existing since 1938....

[@alexp2098]

She has a French accent. She is French ? 👍👍

[@anakvirikashvili519]

She is fluent in French and was living/working there.