**Georgia’s New FARA Law Sparks Concerns Over Freedom of Expression**
A new law in Georgia, which is an exact translation of the US Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) document enacted in 1938, has taken effect on May 31. The law has raised widespread concerns that it will be used to further restrict freedom of expression and association in the country.
The FARA law requires individuals or organizations acting on behalf of foreign governments to register with the Georgian authorities. However, critics argue that the legislation is too vague and can be misused to target opposition leaders and activists.
**Opposition Leaders Detained**
In a move seen as a crackdown on dissenting voices, two opposition leaders were placed in pretrial detention on May 30. Nika Melia, co-chair of the Ahali party, was detained for refusing to pay bail after defying a summons from the Georgian Dream parliament’s temporary investigative commission. Another leader, Zurab Japaridze, was also detained under similar circumstances.
The Interior Ministry claims that Melia was detained for insulting police officers, but opposition groups have described the move as an “abduction.”
**Students and Activists Targeted**
On May 30, Tbilisi City Court sentenced two students to 12 days in detention after they were accused of publicly insulting a Georgian Dream MP. Another activist, Magda Mamukashvili, was fined 4,000 GEL but not detained due to being the mother of a minor.
The incident has sparked concerns that the authorities are using vague charges to silence opposition voices and intimidate activists.
**International Pressure**
In response to the situation, the Resistance Platform has called on international partners to take action. In a statement, they reaffirmed their support for Georgia’s European path and urged the Weimar Triangle countries (Germany, France, and Italy) to develop a coherent EU policy towards Georgia.
They also called for targeted sanctions against those undermining democracy, ensured free parliamentary elections, and provided strong support for civil society and independent media.
**US Senator Visits Georgia**
Senator Steve Daines is visiting Georgia on May 30. As a member of the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, he plans to meet with government representatives and opposition leaders, including President Salome Zurabishvili.
Daines’ visit comes amid growing concerns over the situation in Georgia and has been seen as an opportunity for the international community to take a closer look at the country’s democratic values.
**Economic Growth**
Despite the political turmoil, Georgia’s economy continues to grow. According to data from the National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat), the country’s real GDP grew by 7.5% in April compared to the same period last year.
However, there were declines in the construction and manufacturing sectors, which has raised concerns over the sustainability of the growth.
Read More @ civil.ge
