Georgian Journalists’ Charter rejects mandatory ‘foreign influence’ registration

The Charter of Journalistic Ethics of Georgia, representing over 300 journalists, has refused to register under the “Register of Carriers of Foreign Interests,” a requirement imposed by the controversial Foreign Influence Transparency Law adopted in May.

The decision was made during an extraordinary meeting on Thursday, where members also committed to pursuing legal action to protect their rights.

The organization condemned the law as a “severe threat” to Georgia’s democratic principles, warning that it endangered freedom of expression, freedom of association, and equal treatment – rights enshrined in the Constitution of Georgia and the European Convention on Human Rights.

The Charter claimed the law posed a “significant barrier” to Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration, tarnished the country’s international standing, and jeopardized both the economy and civil peace.

“This law makes Georgia’s integration into Euro-Atlantic structures impossible, destroys Georgia’s international reputation and European future, undermines the economy, and threatens civil order and peace,” it stressed.

Despite strong opposition from international partners, the Georgian Parliament pushed through the law on May 28, overriding a veto by President Salome Zourabichvili. The law mandates that all non-governmental and media organizations receiving more than 20 percent of their incomes through foreign funding be classified as carriers of foreign influence.

Reacting to the adoption of the law, the European Union has suspended part of its financial aid to Georgia, and the United States has indefinitely postponed military training programs.

Three separate lawsuits have been filed with the Constitutional Court challenging the law – by the President, affected NGOs and media organizations, and opposition parties.

Justice Minister Rati Bregadze on August 1 detailed the procedures for creating the foreign influence register, including financial reporting and monitoring requirements.