U.S. Congressional Leaders Express Concern Over 'Foreign Agents' Law
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
On April 29, Co-Chairs of the U.S. Congressional Georgia Caucus, Rep. Gerry Connolly and Rep. Austin Scott, expressed their concerns about Georgia's proposed 'Foreign Agents' law.
The U.S. representatives expressed deep concerns about Georgia, a democratic ally and EU candidate, adopting a law that mirrors Russia's restrictive measures.
The statement from the Caucus Co-Chairs emphasized the importance of Georgia maintaining its democratic course toward Euro-Atlantic integration. They stressed continued U.S. support for Georgia's journey towards inclusion in European and Atlantic institutions and highlighted the critical role of an unimpeded civil society, an independent judiciary, and a corruption-free government in achieving these goals.
The introduction of the Foreign Agents Law in Georgia, according to the representatives, poses a serious threat to the democratic processes and deviates from the country's path toward further integration with the West. They strongly urged Georgian officials to reconsider the proposed legislation and to listen to the public's demand for a transparent and accountable governance structure.
"In 2012, after taking power for a third term, Vladimir Putin signed Foreign Agents Law to require organizations engaged in political activity and receiving foreign funding to register as foreign agents. Putin used this 'Foreign Agents Law' to drastically curb free speech, all but eliminate Russian civil society, and further solidify his brutal rule as a dictator. It is incredibly concerning for the Republic of Georgia, a democratic partner of the United States that has received EU candidate status, to introduce and advance legislation that mimics Putin's same anti-democratic instrument. We continue to support the Georgian people in their path to Euro-Atlantic inclusion and urge leaders to heed their calls for a flourishing and unimpeded civil society, independent judiciary, and a government that respects the rule of law and holds those who engage in corruption accountable.
Unfortunately, a "Foreign Agents Law" similar to that of Vladimir Putin's, diverts Georgia from that path," the statement reads.
