**Georgia’s Government Tightens Grip on Civil Society**
The Georgian parliament has approved changes to the country’s Law on Grants, making it mandatory for foreign donors to get executive approval before giving money to local organizations. This new rule was rushed through the parliament and passed with a majority of 82 votes in favor.
Under the amended law, any organization that receives a grant without government consent will face fines equal to twice the amount of the grant. The Anti-Corruption Bureau, which is seen as being controlled by the ruling party, will be responsible for monitoring compliance.
**Civil Society Slams Move as Attempt to Silence Dissent**
Georgian civil society representatives have strongly criticized the amendments, calling them an “act of persecution” against the Georgian people. They believe that these changes are part of a broader crackdown on dissent and aim to leave citizens defenseless against the ruling party’s punitive system.
The move has been met with resistance from international supporters. US Representative Joe Wilson tweeted, “No matter what this fake parliament says, we will never cease our support.” This reflects concerns about the Georgian government’s increasing authoritarianism.
**Blacklisting of Organizations**
Before the amendments were adopted, a GD MP named several local organizations as “undesirable,” accusing them of funding revolutions in Georgia. These organizations include Civil Platform, Transparency International Georgia, and Safari. The move has sparked fears that these groups may face further persecution.
**Impact on Democracy**
The approval of these changes is part of a broader legislative package that also prohibits political parties from receiving foreign in-kind support for public events. This means that any party or organization holding lectures, seminars, or other events will no longer be able to receive funding from abroad.
These moves have sparked concerns about the erosion of democracy in Georgia and the government’s increasing control over civil society. The international community is watching closely as the country’s democratic institutions are tested.
**What Next?**
As President Mikheil Kavelashvili prepares to sign the amendments into law, Georgian citizens can expect a further tightening of restrictions on their freedoms. Civil society representatives will continue to resist these moves and call for greater transparency and accountability from the government.
