The Council of Ethnic Minorities, under the Public Defender, "categorically opposes and condemns" the new Russian law initiated by the ruling Georgian Dream. According to the council, the aforementioned law undermines the country's democratic development and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
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"The presented bill deals a heavy blow and diminishes the role of civil society, the practical protection mechanisms for human rights, the possibilities for preserving, protecting, and developing ethnic and religious diversity, as well as the full realization of cultural and social responsibility in society.
We firmly believe that the enactment of this bill threatens Georgia's long-standing ambition to join the European Union, a goal that Georgia has been passionately pursuing for decades. The pursuit of European integration is not only a national aspiration but also a constitutional obligation supported by the vast majority of our citizens.
The adoption of the draft law "On transparency of foreign influence" will be destructive for the country's democratic development. Just as we declared last year, we now emphasize the fundamental importance of ensuring that the aforementioned bill or any similar initiative does not become law. We call on the Georgian authorities to cease consideration of the law On transparency of foreign influence," the statement says.
At the moment, 13 organizations have signed the petition: Civic Engagement and Activism Center (CEAC)), Red Bridge, Solidarity Movement, Civil Integration Fund, Azerbaijani Youth in Georgia, Peace Fund, Georgian Udis, Open Borders, Civil Equality Platform, Resources of democracy and integration, Association Udi, Community Union for Pankisi Welfare, and AliQ Media.
At the parliament legal affairs committee meeting, discussions are ongoing regarding the Russian law on so-called Agents, amidst protests. According to the decision of the Parliament Speaker, Shalva Papuashvili, accredited journalists from online media outlets have been barred from entering the legislative body. The committee chairman, Anri Okhanashvili, has expelled some opposition MPs from the discussion.
