Irakli Zarkua, the ruling Georgian Dream parliament member asserts that once the ruling party adopts the Russian law On Agents, "Lomjarias and Gigauries will disappear."
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"We have clearly stated that both Russian and American laws are the strictest and apply to both legal entities and individuals. In the case of financing, even one cent, an audit is required, and violations can lead to five years in prison, among other consequences. Georgian law does not apply to any physical or legal person. This pertains to the media because it is an organization that can influence society. We have said that if you are financed by more than 20%, you should declare it and disclose who is financing you and for what purpose. Additionally, we have informed the non-governmental sector that if they receive more than 20% of funding from international partners, they should make a declaration and continue their activities. That's it! This is the difference! These troublemakers try to conceal how their finances are spent. That is why a certain segment of society, including some youth, has been misled. We will not back down.
As soon as funding becomes open and transparent, lions and giants will disappear. Why? Because they will be replaced by decent, honest people who do Georgian work. Those who engage in corrupt practices will naturally no longer receive funding from donors! That's why they are afraid of losing their jobs!" said Irakli Zarquam.
Eka Gigauri heads Transparency International Georgia, and Nino Lomjaria is a former Public Defender.
On April 3, 2024, Georgian Dream reintroduced the Russian law on Foreign Agents in parliament, which had been withdrawn a year ago due to thousands of protests, and promised that it would never be accepted again. The Russian law requires independent media and non-governmental organizations that receive grant support from international organizations and cannot be controlled by the government or related groups to register as foreign agents.
The European Union, the US State Department, the United Nations, and international organizations have called on the Georgian authorities not to adopt a law that does not align with the values of the European Union and threatens the freedom and existence of the media and civil society.
Regarding the Russian law, two draft resolutions have been registered in the European Parliament, which will be discussed on April 25. The MEPs propose to impose sanctions on those deputies of the Parliament of Georgia who support the Russian law and on the honorary chairman of Georgian Dream, Bidzina Ivanishvili. Additionally, the resolution requires the removal of this law from the legal system as a prerequisite for the provision of all financial assistance intended for Georgia.
