In a recent development, Georgia’s new foreign agent law has been signed into effect despite significant public opposition and a presidential veto. This law poses a threat to writers, artists, and other cultural workers who express dissenting opinions against the current government’s policies. By mandating that organizations receiving more than 20 percent of their funding from abroad register as “agents of foreign influence,” the law effectively targets individuals or groups unable to secure domestic funding, often due to political reasons.
The implications of this law are profound. It provides a legal pretext for the harassment of writers, artists, journalists, and others who already face pressure to limit their free expression. The law also symbolizes a troubling trend away from international human rights and democratic norms in Georgia. The right to express dissenting views, even against the government, is fundamental and should be protected, not stigmatized.
PEN America, a leading advocate for free expression, has strongly condemned Georgia’s foreign agent law. They urge the Georgian government to repeal the law and call on the international community to denounce its infringement on the universal right to freedom of expression.
This legislation was initially withdrawn last year following public protests but was reintroduced under a different name in April 2024. It follows a pattern seen in other countries like Turkey, mirroring Russia’s foreign agent law, which has been used to suppress journalists and censor news outlets.
PEN America’s report, “Taming Culture in Georgia,” highlights the government’s targeting of independent cultural figures critical of its policies. The report underscores the need for international support to defend the work and free expression of artists, writers, and cultural figures in Georgia.
As advocates for free expression, PEN America continues to stand against laws that undermine the right to dissent and suppress creative expression. They emphasize the importance of upholding freedom of speech as a cornerstone of democracy and human rights.