The News in Brief
Monday, August 12, 2024
Prepared by Messenger Staff
Senator Shaheen and Congressman Turner Discuss Georgian Election Concerns with NGOs
During their visit to Georgia, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Congressman Mike Turner met with representatives of various non-governmental organizations to discuss key issues surrounding Georgia's upcoming elections and the impact of recently passed "Foreign Agents" law.
Nona Kurdovanidze, chairperson of the Georgian Young Lawyers' Association, provided insights after the meeting. She emphasised that the discussion primarily focused on the election environment, which she described as one of the most critical events for Georgia in the coming months. "This year, in relation to Georgia, one of the most important and one can say the most important events that will take place in the coming months are the elections," Kurdovanidze stated.
A significant portion of the conversation was dedicated to the challenges posed by the "Foreign Agents" law.
"The discussion was about what challenge we, non-governmental organizations, and the society as a whole are facing when the 'Russian law' has already been adopted in Georgia," Kurdovanidze explained. She also expressed concerns that NGOs could soon face increased scrutiny and monitoring as a result of this law, potentially hindering their ability to operate freely.
Prime Minister Slams 'Foreign Interference' in Georgian Elections
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has condemned what he describes as "unprecedented and gross foreign interference" in the country's upcoming parliamentary elections. In a recent media statement, Kobakhidze asserted that this external meddling represents a serious breach of electoral principles but reassured that it would not impact the final results.
"The good thing is that this external intervention will not affect the final results of the elections," Kobakhidze said. He criticized recent political events that featured images of former President Mikheil Saakashvili, labeling them as part of a broader effort to reintroduce authoritarianism in Georgia.
Kobakhidze argued that such actions are attempts to undermine democratic values and warned against a return to authoritarian rule. "When you call an event where Saakashvili's pictures are exhibited a Democracy Festival, it is clear that someone is trying to hold a festival of authoritarianism in Georgia," Prime Minister said.
Senator Shaheen and Congressman Turner Discuss Georgian Election Concerns with NGOs
Nona Kurdovanidze, chairperson of the Georgian Young Lawyers' Association, provided insights after the meeting. She emphasised that the discussion primarily focused on the election environment, which she described as one of the most critical events for Georgia in the coming months. "This year, in relation to Georgia, one of the most important and one can say the most important events that will take place in the coming months are the elections," Kurdovanidze stated.
A significant portion of the conversation was dedicated to the challenges posed by the "Foreign Agents" law.
"The discussion was about what challenge we, non-governmental organizations, and the society as a whole are facing when the 'Russian law' has already been adopted in Georgia," Kurdovanidze explained. She also expressed concerns that NGOs could soon face increased scrutiny and monitoring as a result of this law, potentially hindering their ability to operate freely.
Prime Minister Slams 'Foreign Interference' in Georgian Elections
"The good thing is that this external intervention will not affect the final results of the elections," Kobakhidze said. He criticized recent political events that featured images of former President Mikheil Saakashvili, labeling them as part of a broader effort to reintroduce authoritarianism in Georgia.
Kobakhidze argued that such actions are attempts to undermine democratic values and warned against a return to authoritarian rule. "When you call an event where Saakashvili's pictures are exhibited a Democracy Festival, it is clear that someone is trying to hold a festival of authoritarianism in Georgia," Prime Minister said.