Ex-public defender condemns revival of foreign agents bill, accuses govt of Russian influence

Nino Lomjaria, former Public Defender of Georgia, on Wednesday criticized the decision by the ruling Georgian Dream party to reintroduce the foreign agents bill, labeling it as influenced by Moscow.

“Why are they reviving the ‘Russian law’? Georgian Dream seems determined to brand any organization receiving funding from Europe as an ‘entity serving the interests of a foreign power.’ We only need to observe Russia to understand the potential consequences of such legislation,” Lomjaria stated in a social media post.

She also expressed concern that despite recent advancements towards Europe, such as obtaining EU candidacy status last year and participating in Euro 2024, there were indications of “regression influenced from the north”.

Lomjaria emphasized there were transparent mechanisms in place for funds from Europe entering Georgia, including tax registration, bank transfers, and tax declarations, dismissing claims of clandestine activities.

The ruling party announced on Wednesday the reintroduction of the bill, which was withdrawn last year following public protests in Tbilisi due to its perceived resemblance to Russian legislation affecting non-governmental organizations.

The ruling party alleged there was a lack of transparency in foreign funding for local NGOs and accused them of misusing funds for activities deemed destructive and anti-state.Opposition voices have called for unity to oppose the revival of the bill.