**EU Concerns Over Georgia’s Democratic Backsliding**
The European Union has expressed concerns over the enactment of a foreign agents registration law in Georgia, calling it a significant setback for democracy. In a joint statement, EU High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas and Commissioner Marta Kos said that the law pushes the country further away from the EU. They also warned that if the Georgian authorities do not take credible steps to reverse democratic backsliding, the EU might reconsider Georgia’s accession path.
**Public Defender Downplays Fears**
However, Public Defender Levan Ioseliani believes that the new law is not inherently undemocratic, citing its American origins. He promised to monitor the law’s implementation for possible abuse, but also noted that previous expectations over strict enforcement of another foreign agents law were “significantly exaggerated.” This suggests that the Public Defender remains cautious about the law’s potential impact on civil society.
**Activists Jailed, Media Under Attack**
Meanwhile, two activists, Daniel Mumladze and Guram Khutashvili, have been sentenced to three years in prison for damaging surveillance cameras during protests in December. The sentence has sparked concerns over the government’s treatment of dissenting voices. Additionally, a representative from the ruling Georgian Dream party has filed a complaint against opposition-leaning Formula TV, alleging censorship and political bias.
**Students Protest Administrative Detention**
In another development, students at Ilia State University have gone on strike to protest the administrative detention of several students, including Lika Lortkipanidze, Tatia Apriamashvili, and Luka Natsvlishvili. The strike has gained momentum, with banners calling for the resignation of the “illegitimate regime” and demanding freedom for students. Some university lecturers have also joined the strike in solidarity.
**Immigration Controls Tightened**
As Georgia tightens its immigration controls, 31 foreigners have been expelled from the country, including citizens from Iran, India, Turkey, and other countries. These individuals are now banned from re-entering Georgia.
**Reshuffle Within Georgian Dream Government**
Finally, Levan Mgaloblishvili, the Chairman of the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia, has resigned as part of a larger reshuffle within the Georgian Dream government. The reasons behind his resignation remain unclear, but it is likely to have significant implications for the country’s internal dynamics.
**Read More**
For in-depth analysis and updates on these developments, please visit civil.ge.
