European Court examines FARA complaint from Georgian NGOs and media

The European Court of Human Rights has begun substantive consideration of a complaint filed by the International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED) and media organisations regarding Georgia’s Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), sending questions to the state as part of the proceedings.

ISFED on Wednesday said the court had accepted the case in relation to all articles of the legislation and indicated that it may assign the case a “case of major importance” status. 

This designation would allow the court to review the matter with priority, given its fundamental legal implications, and any ruling could set a precedent not only for Georgia but for all member states of the Council of Europe.

The complaint relates to the law adopted on 1 April 2025 by the ruling party, which, according to ISFED, violates the Georgian Constitution and international human rights treaties, and aims to restrict, discredit, and prosecute independent civil society and media, including through potential criminal liability.

The court also noted that it will assess whether the state applied restrictions on rights for hidden or non-conventional purposes, highlighting concerns over possible misuse of the legislation beyond its stated objectives.