Non-governmental organizations in Georgia are worried for their future after parliament recently passed controversial legislation to counter what it called "foreign interference." Activists have called it the "Russian law" -- comparing it to similar legislation the Kremlin uses against its critics.

Tbilisi

Georgia's new foreign influence law triggers NGO backlash

Non-governmental organizations in Georgia are expressing significant concern over recently passed legislation aimed at curbing foreign interference. Activists are comparing the new foreign influence law to similar measures used by the Kremlin to stifle criticism. The contentious law is expected to primarily impact NGOs involved in the political process, but its reach could extend to other non-political groups.

Temura Tsikoridze, who has dedicated two decades to protecting abandoned animals, runs a non-profit animal village near Tbilisi. Funded largely by foreign donations, Tsikoridze's organization fears the new law will stunt its operations. He emphasizes that foreign financial support made it possible to buy land and build the shelter, expressing concern about the future sustainability of these donations under the new regulations.

Nino Dolidze, a director of a major Georgian election watchdog, argues that the bill is a veiled attempt to undermine independent civil society groups that monitor government activities. She rejects the bill's transparency argument, noting that expenditures and grants are already publicly documented. Over 160 Georgian NGOs have indicated they will defy the law, despite the risk of fines. Dolidze’s organization refuses to register as a foreign influence entity, perceiving it as an affront to their mission.

The law’s implications extend beyond the political sphere. NGOs like Tsikoridze’s animal shelter, which rely on international donations, fear they will be labeled as foreign agents, potentially jeopardizing future funding. The law could also impact organizations addressing social, ecological, and educational issues in Georgia.

Civil society groups believe the forthcoming elections are crucial in determining their fate. They vow to continue advocating for a free and democratic Georgia despite the challenges posed by the new law.



Georgia's NGOs furious over the new foreign influence law

The law is expected to target first and foremost NGOs that engage in the political process. But some others, far away from politics, also fear the implications of the law. Temura Tsikoridze has dedicated 20 years of his life to taking care of and protecting abandoned animals. He now runs a non-profit animal village near the capital Tbilisi. He says it's not a traditional dog shelter. It's their home, where there is no pressure for dogs to be placed with new owners. All of this was possible thanks to foreign donations, he says. We have gotten financial support from abroad, which allowed us to buy this land and build a dog village. We managed to exist to this day thanks to that support. But now, what shall we do? Shall we now forget all that support? Nino Dolidze, director of a key Georgian election watchdog, rejects the transparency argument. She believes the bill is a pretext to shut down independent civil society groups that are monitoring the government's actions. We are uploading all our expenditures in our websites. Also, we have to do all the declarations. Donor organizations are officially uploading all their grants that they are giving to Georgian civil society. More than 160 Georgian NGOs have pledged to defy the law when it comes into force in about two months. Nino says the election observer group she heads will not register on the foreign influence list. And it's ready to pay the fine of 8,000 euros for failing to comply with the law. Legislation itself is against our dignity. Georgian organizations represent only one country's interest, which is Georgia. So we cannot register in a registry which is making us spies or enemies of our country. Temura says the foreign influence law also affects his shelter, as his donations mostly come from abroad. Because the economic situation is unstable in Georgia, he fears that donations will decrease and put his animals' well-being at risk. Our governments want to register NGOs protecting animal rights like mine as foreign agents. We will have a negative perception and donor organizations from abroad will likely to be reluctant to finance us anymore. The foreign influence law could also affect other NGOs which tackle social, ecological and educational problems in Georgia. Georgia's civil society groups say that the upcoming October elections are the only way for them to avoid the possible fate of being shut down. They say they will continue their fight for a free and democratic Georgia as long as it takes.

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Paris

Paris Olympics

Paris Olympics underway after Opening Ceremony

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Taipei

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Chico

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Tsim Sha Tsui

Climate Crisis

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El Paso

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Fujian

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Washington

Israel-Gaza War

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Dhaka

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Manila

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