Georgia has been embroiled in widespread demonstrations ignited by a proposed law that has drawn sharp criticism for threatening media independence and Georgia's aspirations to join the European Union. The bill, backed by the ruling Georgian Dream party, has raised concerns about foreign influence and the erosion of fundamental rights.
Amidst a surge of public outrage, Georgia has become the stage for tumultuous protests triggered by a controversial media freedom bill that has ignited concerns over media censorship and the country's alignment with the European Union. This legislation has sparked a fierce debate, pitting the government against opposition parties and drawing scrutiny from international observers.
The proposed bill, which has already cleared two legislative readings, would require media outlets, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and other non-profit entities to register as "pursuing the interests of a foreign power" if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad. This provision has been met with vehement opposition, with critics arguing that it will stifle media freedom and limit the ability of NGOs to carry out their missions.
Proponents of the bill maintain that it is necessary to counter foreign influence in Georgia's political sphere and prevent unidentified entities from destabilizing the country. The ruling Georgian Dream party believes the measure will protect Georgia's sovereignty and ensure transparency in the funding of media and non-profit organizations.
Opponents of the bill, including the United National Movement (UNM), have denounced it as "the Russian law," drawing parallels to similar legislation used by Moscow to suppress critical voices and independent media. They fear that the bill will become a tool to silence dissent and impede Georgia's progress towards EU membership.
Georgia's relationship with Russia has been marked by tensions and conflict. In 2008, a military confrontation between the two countries over the breakaway province of South Ossetia resulted in a resounding Georgian defeat. Russia subsequently recognized the independence of South Ossetia and another separatist region, Abkhazia, actions that remain unrecognized by most of the international community.
In response to the proposed media freedom bill, thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets of Tbilisi, the Georgian capital. Protesters, led by UNM chairman Levan Khabeishvili, have engaged in confrontations with police, resulting in arrests and injuries. The parliament building has been besieged by protesters determined to block the bill's passage.
The European Union has expressed deep concern over the bill, with Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy chief, describing the legislation as "a very concerning development." The EU has warned that the adoption of the bill would negatively impact Georgia's progress towards EU integration, as it is incompatible with the bloc's core values of freedom of expression and association.
Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili has declared her intention to veto the bill if it is passed by parliament. However, the Georgian Dream party holds a sufficient majority to override a presidential veto, raising fears that the bill could become law despite widespread opposition.
If passed, the media freedom bill could have far-reaching consequences for Georgia's media landscape and civil society. Independent media outlets could face pressure to conform to government narratives or risk being labeled as foreign agents. NGOs may be restricted in their activities and subject to increased scrutiny. The legislation also threatens to damage Georgia's reputation as a democracy and its aspirations to join the European Union.
The fate of the media freedom bill remains uncertain as parliament prepares for its third and final reading. Protests are likely to continue, and the EU and other international actors will be closely monitoring developments. The outcome of this legislative battle will have significant implications for Georgia's media freedom, its relations with Russia, and its trajectory towards EU membership.
