Alain Berset, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, on Friday announced the Georgian Dream authorities had expressed readiness to revise the controversial law on the transparency of foreign influence.
In a press briefing in Tbilisi, which came amid ongoing protests in Georgia against the Government’s decision last month not to include European Union accession talks in its agenda and its response to demonstrators, the official raised his concerns over the law adopted this year, which requires registration of NGOs and media outlets in the country as “pursuing the interests of a foreign power” if they receive more than 20 percent of their funding from abroad, comes into effect starting today.
Claiming the law could worsen the rights of civil society organisations and individuals, emphasized that the law must be amended to fully comply with the European Convention on Human Rights.
Berset welcomed the Georgian government’s commitment to revising the law’s content. He said a working group will be established, including representatives from Georgia, the Council of Europe, and the Venice Commission, to identify necessary changes to the legislation.
During the press conference, Berset also discussed the broader political climate in Georgia, noting that political polarization was undermining democratic processes in the country. He stressed the need for dialogue between all political forces, both the ruling majority and the opposition, to protect and respect democratic principles.
According to Berset, democracy cannot function in a climate of constant confrontation and mistreatment.
“The Council of Europe is ready to facilitate such dialogue,” Berset stated, adding that it is in the hands of Georgia’s people and institutions to restore and strengthen a fully functional democracy. He further emphasized that the involvement of minorities, civil society, and other groups is essential in this process.
Berset also raised concerns about the state of fundamental freedoms in Georgia, particularly regarding freedom of expression, media freedom, and freedom of assembly, all of which are protected under the European Convention on Human Rights.
He condemned the threats faced by journalists and called for the protection of media representatives. He urged Georgian authorities to refrain from using disproportionate force and to conduct independent, transparent investigations into attacks against journalists. Berset also called for the release of individuals detained under administrative law, particularly those involved in demonstrations.
Addressing the broader political environment, Berset described the situation in Georgia as a “critical time,” marked by political tension, polarized public debate, and high levels of violence. He underlined that one of the main goals of his visit was to meet with all parties involved, as the cornerstone of any functional democracy is dialogue.
“This is a critical time for Georgia,” Berset stated. “Georgia is full of political tension, polarized public debate, and high-level violence. I am here because the cornerstone of any functional democracy is dialogue.”
