Freedom House “stands in solidarity” with Georgian protesters against transparency bill

In a statement released on Tuesday, Freedom House denounced the ongoing “repression and violence” directed at peaceful demonstrators in Tbilisi, who are opposing the reintroduction of a “restrictive foreign agents” law.

Nicole Bibbins Sedaca, Interim President of Freedom House, expressed “unwavering support” for the Georgian people, highlighting their steadfast commitment to a democratic future. She emphasized that the Georgian populace had “consistently advocated for democratic principles”, and their voices must be respected.

Sedaca raised concerns over the Georgian government’s renewed efforts to pass a “foreign agents” law, which she said would mandate certain civil society groups and media entities to register as entities serving the interests of foreign powers. Sedaca noyed such legislation, if enacted, would unjustly label legitimate civic activities and independent media outlets, empowering authorities to penalize dissenting voices. 

Sedaca cautioned that adopting such measures would align Georgia with repressive regimes like Russia and Kyrgyzstan, undermining the country’s aspirations for European Union accession.

Freedom House strongly condemned the use of force against peaceful protesters in Tbilisi, including the deployment of water cannons, tear gas, rubber bullets, and mass arrests. Additionally, the organization expressed deep concern over threats and attacks targeting Georgian human rights defenders, journalists, opposition members, and their families. Such repression, Freedom House asserted, is intolerable, especially for a nation aspiring to join the European Union.

The organization called for immediate and coordinated action from the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom to address the escalating repression in Georgia. It urged these governments to advocate for the evaluation of the proposed law by the Venice Commission to ensure its compliance with European standards. 

Freedom House proposed the imposition of travel restrictions and financial sanctions on high-ranking Georgian Dream officials and their family members if the law is passed without the endorsement of the Venice Commission or before its findings are released.