Georgian NGOs to Challenge Controversial 'Foreign Agent' Law in Court

A coalition of Georgian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is preparing to file a lawsuit in the country's Constitutional Court and the European Court of Human Rights to challenge the recently enacted 'foreign agent' law. Critics argue that the legislation will stifle independent media and organizations.

The law, which was pushed through by the ruling Georgian Dream party, requires organizations receiving more than 20% of their funding from overseas to register as agents of foreign influence. It includes strict disclosure requirements and punitive fines for violations. The legislation has been dubbed the 'Russian law' by opponents, who see it as a move to curb dissent and control civil society.

Why this matters: This lawsuit has significant implications for the future of civil society and media freedom in Georgia, and its outcome could set a precedent for other countries considering similar legislation. If the law is upheld, it could lead to a crackdown on independent media and organizations, undermining democracy and human rights in Georgia.

On May 30, NGO representatives held a joint briefing to announce their plans to challenge the law in court. 'Georgian non-governmental organizations will continue to fight against the 'Russian law' in court. We declare that we will not live according to the norms of the 'Russian law' and will use all domestic and international mechanisms to prevent its enforcement until the law is repealed,' said the representatives.

The NGOs plan to submit their lawsuit to the Constitutional Court of Georgia soon, which has the power to suspend the relevant articles of the law. If the Constitutional Court does not act within the framework of the constitution, the NGOs will use alternative legal mechanisms, including filing a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights.

The 'foreign agent' law has sparked a political crisis in Georgia, with widespread criticism from Western governments and organizations. The United States and European countries argue that the bill is authoritarian and undermines Georgia's pro-Western foreign policy.

Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, who opposes the bill, has called on the country's opposition to unite against the law ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for October 26. The law was passed despite her veto, with the parliament overriding it on May 28.

The NGOs are determined to use all available legal means to repeal the law, which they believe is reminiscent of Russian legislation. 'We will not live by the rules of the Russian law and will use all domestic and international mechanisms to impede its implementation until the law is unconditionally repealed,' stated the NGOs.

The 'foreign agent' law has been criticized for its potential to stifle independent media and organizations in Georgia. The NGOs' decision to challenge the law in court is seen as a significant move to protect their rights and freedoms.

The legal battle unfolding, the outcome will be closely watched both domestically and internationally. The case will likely have far-reaching implications for the future of civil society and media freedom in Georgia.

Key Takeaways

• Georgian NGOs to file lawsuit against "foreign agent" law in Constitutional Court and European Court of Human Rights.
• Law requires organizations with >20% foreign funding to register as foreign agents, sparking criticism of media and civil society stifling.
• Lawsuit outcome may set precedent for similar legislation in other countries, impacting democracy and human rights.
• NGOs vow to use all legal means to repeal law, citing authoritarianism and threat to pro-Western foreign policy.
• Case outcome will have significant implications for civil society and media freedom in Georgia, closely watched domestically and internationally.