On April 1, Georgia’s parliament, controlled by the Georgian Dream party, passed a series of restrictive laws, drawing sharp criticism. The new legislation includes a foreign agents law, media restrictions, and a reintroduced treason provision. All 86 Georgian Dream deputies voted in favor.
The Foreign Agents Registration Law, modeled after the U.S. FARA act, requires media outlets and civil organizations receiving foreign funding to register with the government. Critics argue this will severely limit independent operations, undermining the civil society sector.
Further amendments to the Broadcasting Law prohibit foreign funding for broadcasters, worsening the already difficult situation for critical media. New restrictions also limit journalists’ sources and tighten penalties, expanding control over both traditional and online media platforms.
A new article on treason was reintroduced in Georgia’s criminal code. This law outlines severe penalties for actions deemed to undermine national security, including espionage, sabotage, and compromising Georgia’s territorial integrity.
The government also made controversial changes to gender-related laws, replacing terms like “gender equality” with “equality between women and men” and removing references to “gender identity.” Critics see this as a move to appease far-right voters.
Additionally, the parliament revoked the obligation for NGOs to be involved in the legislative process, a key recommendation for Georgia’s EU accession. Human rights organizations warn these laws could signal the end of independent civil society in Georgia.
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