Legal Affairs Committee Backs Georgia's 'Agents Law' Amidst Mass Protests and International Criticism
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Amidst mass protests outside Parliament and heavy criticism from Georgia's partner countries, the Legal Affairs Committee supported the 'On Transparency of Foreign Influence' bill, often referred to as the 'Agents Law' or 'Russian Law'. The bill, which will be discussed during the plenary session, is scheduled for its first reading in Parliament this week.
"Since alternative draft laws have been presented, we must vote on this matter in its current form. The committee deems it appropriate to consider the 'Transparency' draft law, presented by Mr. Mamuka, as the main draft to be accepted as a basis. As for the alternative legislative packages, we suggest they be rejected," said Anri Okhanashvili, the chairman of the committee.
The committee session discussing the draft law was filled with controversy and physical altercations, leading to the expulsion of many opposition members.
The controversial draft law "On Transparency of foreign influence," proposes the registration of non-entrepreneurial (non-commercial) legal entities and media outlets that serve the interests of foreign powers. Specifically, organizations receiving over 20% of their income from abroad must be registered in the public register under the same name, as mandated by the draft law.
During registration, organizations will be required to report their income. Additionally, they must annually complete a financial declaration.
The draft law authorizes the Ministry of Justice to conduct ongoing research and monitoring to identify such organizations.
According to the project, monitoring will commence based on the decision of the designated official within the Ministry of Justice and a written statement submitted to the Ministry. This statement must include "a relevant reference related to a specific organization serving the interests of a foreign power".
If monitoring reveals that an entity meets the criteria of an organization serving foreign interests but has evaded registration, the agency will register it as such based on the request of the designated official from the Ministry of Justice. This action does not exempt the entity from legal responsibilities outlined in the law.
Failure to register as an organization serving foreign interests or failure to submit the declaration will result in a fine of 25,000 GEL for the organization.
