**Georgia’s Democracy on the Brink: Foreign Agents Registration Act Takes Effect**
In a disturbing development for democracy in Georgia, the country’s parliament has passed the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), a law that will require organizations and individuals to register as foreign agents if they receive funding from abroad. The act comes into force today, sparking widespread concern among civil society groups, media outlets, and opposition politicians.
According to Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, FARA marks another grim step in the Georgian Dream government’s crackdown on democracy. In a post on social platform X, Tsahkna warned that the law violates core democratic principles, silences critics, and derails Georgia from its path toward European integration.
**A Blow to Free Speech and Civil Society**
Tsahkna’s comments echo those of many observers who see FARA as an attempt by the Georgian Dream government to suppress free speech and limit the ability of civil society groups to operate freely. By requiring organizations to register as foreign agents, the law effectively gives the government a veto over who can engage in public discourse.
“This law is a clear attempt to intimidate and silence critics of the government,” said Nino Tsilosani, a Georgian human rights activist. “It’s a brazen move that undermines Georgia’s commitment to democratic values.”
**Consequences for EU Integration**
Tsahkna also warned that FARA will have serious consequences for Georgia’s bid to join the European Union. By undermining civil society and limiting free speech, the law sends a damaging signal about the country’s commitment to democratic principles.
“Georgia’s path toward the EU is being derailed by this law,” Tsahkna wrote on X. “It’s a shame that the Georgian Dream government is taking such a backward step, rather than embracing the values of democracy and transparency.”
Read More @ www.interpressnews.ge
