Deputy Justice Minister reports surge in foreign power interests registrations

Deputy Minister of Justice Tamar Tkeshelashvili on Friday revealed that the number of organizations registered under the controversial Foreign Influence Transparency Law had increased.

Speaking at the Constitutional Court, which now discusses four lawsuits against the law, Tkeshelashvili said the figure had risen from 233 in the morning to 322 by the afternoon.

“I will update the statistics accordingly. The numbers are crucial. As of today, 322 organizations have reached out to us, up from 233 earlier in the day. I want to address the misinformation being circulated, suggesting that only 1 percent of entities comply with the law. According to our data and logic, less than 1 percent are in non-compliance. It is essential to stop manipulating figures and spreading unfounded fears,” Tkeshelashvili said.

Critics argue the law, which obliges local NGOs and media organizations to register as pursuant of foreign influence if they receive more than 20 percent of their incomes from abroad, impedes Georgia’s European integration.