Georgia's Media Freedom Under Threat: Massive Protests Erupt over Controversial Bill

Georgia has become embroiled in widespread demonstrations sparked by a proposed legislation that critics denounce as a threat to media freedom and the nation's hopes of joining the European Union. The bill, which would require organizations receiving foreign funding to register as "pursuing the interests of a foreign power," has drawn fierce opposition from media outlets and civil society groups, who fear it could be used to stifle dissent and limit their activities.

In the aftermath of the Soviet Union's demise in 1991, relations between Georgia and Russia have been marked by tension and conflict. In 2008, Russia engaged in a brief war with Georgia, following Tbilisi's unsuccessful attempt to regain control over the breakaway province of South Ossetia. Subsequently, Moscow recognized South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states and bolstered its military presence in these regions. The international community largely regards both separatist regions as part of Georgia.

Tbilisi severed diplomatic ties with Moscow, and the status of the breakaway regions remains a persistent irritant in Russia-Georgia relations, despite recent improvements. The United National Movement, an opposition party, accuses Georgian Dream, founded by Bidzina Ivanishvili, a billionaire with amassed wealth in Russia, of serving Moscow's interests, an allegation vehemently denied by the governing party.

The proposed legislation, known as the "foreign agents" bill, has drawn parallels to similar legislation enacted in Russia, which has been used to suppress independent media and organizations critical of the Kremlin. Critics of the bill in Georgia argue that its introduction reflects Moscow's alleged influence over the nation and that its passage would hinder Georgia's long-sought EU membership prospects.

Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, increasingly at odds with the governing party, has vowed to veto the bill, but Georgian Dream possesses a majority sufficient to override a presidential veto. The bill's supporters contend it is necessary to curb what they perceive as harmful foreign influence in the country's political landscape and to prevent unidentified foreign entities from attempting to destabilize Georgia's political scene.

However, opponents of the bill denounce it as "the Russian law," arguing that its passage would stigmatize organizations that provide valuable services to Georgian citizens. They emphasize that Georgia's media environment is already among the freest in the region and assert that this bill would stifle critical voices and hinder the country's democratic development.

For several consecutive days, thousands of protesters have encircled the parliament building in an attempt to prevent the bill's passage, clashing with police in the process. Police have resorted to tear gas and water cannons to disperse the demonstrators, with over 60 protesters apprehended and multiple individuals injured, including Levan Khabeishvili, chairman of the United National Movement.

Parliament canceled its scheduled session on Thursday, citing damage to the building incurred during Wednesday's protests. The scale and determination of the protests have prompted concern within the European Union, with Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy chief, describing the parliament's actions as "a very concerning development." Borrell warned that "final adoption of this legislation would negatively impact Georgia's progress on its EU path."

The EU position is unwavering in its assessment that the proposed legislation is at odds with the core values and norms of the European Union. Borrell emphasized that the bill could restrict the ability of civil society and media organizations to operate freely, potentially limiting freedom of expression and unfairly stigmatizing organizations that contribute positively to Georgian society.