Georgia's 'Foreign Agents' Bill

SOURCE www.nbcnews.com
Georgia's parliament approved the first reading of a bill on 'foreign agents' that has sparked protests, seen as authoritarian and Russian-inspired. The bill would require organizations receiving over 20% of funding from abroad to register as agents of foreign influence.

Key Points

  • Bill requires organizations receiving over 20% of funding from abroad to register as foreign agents
  • Critics compare it to Russian law used to suppress dissent
  • Opposition groups, civil society, and international bodies like the EU oppose the bill

Pros

  • Promotes transparency in funding sources
  • Combats influence of 'pseudo-liberal values' imposed by foreigners

Cons

  • Seen as authoritarian and Russian-inspired
  • Increases divisions in an already polarized Georgia