The United States announced that it is reassessing its bilateral cooperation with Georgia following the enactment of the controversial “foreign agent” law, which sparked extensive protests in the capital, Tbilisi.
In a statement, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken disclosed that Washington would impose visa restrictions on individuals deemed responsible for “undermining democracy in Georgia.”
While no officials were specifically named, they are presumed to be affiliated with the ruling Georgian Dream party.
Critics argue that the “foreign agent” law mirrors legislation utilized in neighboring Russia to target critics of the Kremlin, a contention refuted by the ruling party. Georgian authorities assert that the law aims to enhance transparency regarding foreign funding.
Enacted last week, the law mandates non-governmental organizations and independent media entities receiving over 20% of their funding from foreign sources to register as entities representing the interests of foreign powers.
Although Georgia’s president vetoed the law, the ruling party possesses sufficient parliamentary votes to override her intervention through another vote.
In Thursday’s announcement, Blinken denounced the Georgian Dream party for passing a law that “would stifle the exercise of freedoms of association and expression, stigmatize organizations serving Georgian citizens, and hinder independent media outlets providing high-quality information to Georgians.”
Expressing concern over intimidation tactics and violence used against peaceful dissenters, Blinken emphasized that such measures contradict Georgia’s aspirations for Euro-Atlantic integration and a strategic partnership with the United States, as enshrined in its constitution.
Blinken urged Georgian leaders to reconsider the legislation, a sentiment echoed by the European Union, which cautioned that the law could jeopardize Georgia’s candidacy for EU membership.
Massive demonstrations against the “foreign agent” law have rocked Georgia for weeks, frequently escalating into clashes between protesters and law enforcement personnel.