MEPs Express Deep Concern Over Draft Law on 'Transparency of Foreign Influence'
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, April 19, 2024
MEPs David McAllister, Sven Mikser, and Marina Kaljurand issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over the reintroduction of the draft law on "Transparency of Foreign Influence" by the ruling party in Georgia, which they see as an attack on independent media and civil society organizations. According to MEPs, this law contradicts EU values and democratic principles, potentially jeopardizing Georgia's ambitions for EU membership and Euro-Atlantic integration.
The members of the European parliament urged the government and parliament to consider the aspirations of Georgian people and collaborate with both national and international partners to support civil society organizations.
They also expressed alarm over reports of riot police using force to disperse protesters opposing the law, emphasizing the importance of the right to peaceful protest-a right crucial for a country aspiring to EU membership. They called on Georgian leaders to protect freedoms of expression and assembly and to prevent any escalation of violence.
MEPs reaffirmed their support for the Georgian people's European aspirations and reminded the Georgian leadership that they must still implement steps identified by the European Commission to advance these aspirations.
"We are deeply concerned by the re-introduction of the draft law on 'Transparency of Foreign Influence' by the ruling party in Georgia. This law, which passed its first reading in the Parliament yesterday, is an attack on independent media and civil society organisations. It is incompatible with EU values and democratic principles. It runs against Georgia's ambitions for EU membership and jeopardises the country's Euro-Atlantic integration. We call on the Georgian Government and Parliament not to disappoint the aspirations of the majority of Georgian people and to engage with the national and international partners on ensuring an enabling working environment for civil society organisations.
We are worried about the reports of riot police using force to disperse protesters demonstrating against the controversial draft law. The right to peaceful protests is a fundamental right and needs to be rigorously respected, especially in a country aspiring for EU membership. Any indiscriminate use of force against peaceful protesters cannot be justified. We call on the Georgian leadership to ensure the protection of freedoms of expression and assembly and to avoid any escalation of violence.
We reiterate our unwavering support to Georgian people's legitimate European aspirations and remind that the relevant steps, as identified by the European Commission, still need to be implemented," the statement reads.
