US Senator Jim Risch has criticized recently adopted controversial Foreign Influence Transparency Law in Georgia, saying it imposes restrictions on the activities of non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Speaking during a Senate hearing, Risch expressed concern that, despite US efforts, the Georgian government has firmly supported this restrictive legislation.
Risch raised the broader question of what should be done when such laws are enacted in different countries, signaling a growing global trend of authoritarianism.
“Dictators have used the tools of war to consolidate control. Once democratic forces fail to maintain government oversight, autocracy begins to take root. We’ve seen this in places like Sudan and Syria, where weapons and restrictions on legitimate NGOs strengthen authoritarian regimes. In Georgia, the newly passed law limits NGO activities, and the government has maintained its position on this despite the US opposition,” Risch stated.
The Senator also reflected on his past experience in Georgia, recalling the country’s earlier democratic achievements.
“Senator Shaheen and I were in Georgia in 2012, where we witnessed free and fair elections. We were both very satisfied with what transpired at that time, but unfortunately, our belief in Georgia’s democratic future has since eroded. We’ve seen Georgia losing its freedom to the Russian bear. The situation has changed dramatically,” Risch said.
He further pointed out that this problem isn’t isolated to Georgia, referencing China’s crackdown on NGOs and the increasing use of anti-NGO laws across Africa.
“In China, it’s no surprise that NGOs are viewed as tools of subversion against national security. In many African countries, governments are using similar laws to suppress NGO activity. This issue is becoming more prevalent,” he warned.
Risch concluded by questioning what more can be done by the international community in response to these growing challenges, highlighting the need for a stronger stance on global democratic backsliding
