Op-Ed: Inside the Georgian Protests - Yes to Europe, No to Russian Law
On April 3, 2024, about a year after massive protests, Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream, revived the controversial draft law “On Transparency of Foreign Influence.” This law, nearly identical to its predecessor, replaces the term “agent of foreign influence” with “organization carrying out the interests of a foreign power.” This move sparked strong reactions both domestically and internationally. Numerous European countries, Western political leaders, and international organizations have urged Georgia to maintain its pro-European course and reject the law. Peter Stano, the European Union Foreign and Security Policy Spokesperson, reminded the Georgian government that their EU candidate status depends on upholding the recommendations of the European Commission. These include ensuring the free operation of civil society and combating disinformation against EU values, both of which would be threatened by this law. US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller stated that this bill undermines Georgia’s commitment to Euro-Atlantic integration. US Senators Ben Cardin and Roger Wicker called the bill a “copy of the Russian law” and a step away from Georgia’s hard-earned Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
Why has there been less attention given to the context in which the Georgian and Russian "foreign agents" laws operate, and what are the dangers of adopting such legislation in Georgia?
Background of the Law
In Russia, the crackdown on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) began in 2006, with authorities gaining the power to refuse registration to NGOs and requiring them to submit annual reports. In 2012, following criticism of Vladimir Putin’s third presidential term, Russia enacted the “Foreign Agents” law to stifle dissent, pressure civil society, and eliminate opposition. This law, inspired by a distorted interpretation of the American FARA, was soon adopted by several post-Soviet countries. At the end The people of Russia have been gradually stripped of their democratic rights, akin to a frog slowly being boiled in water. No one can pinpoint the exact moment democracy died in Russia, but it is undeniably dead now.
In Georgia, the ruling party has been discrediting NGOs, and the law “on foreign agents” is a continuation of this policy. Despite this, the reintroduction of the law last year and again this year surprised many Georgians, leading to mass protests. The example of Hungary showed that such a law contradicts the European Union’s founding treaties and carries anti-Western values, making the consequences for Georgia’s European integration clear.
Protests in Tbilisi
Since the reintroduction of the draft law, Tbilisi has seen continuous mass rallies under the slogan “Yes to Europe, No to Russian Law.” Young people, including students and schoolchildren, have blocked Rustaveli Avenue, vowing to defend Georgia’s European choice. A viral selfie trend in Georgian academia showed professors supporting their students’ protests against the law.
Despite the protests, on May 14, the ruling Georgian Dream majority passed the law, which now has a presidential veto. Protests have spread across Georgia, involving more social groups, with authorities trying to suppress them through police brutality and intimidation. If we zoom out and look at the situation, we can see two possible outcomes: one similar to Belarus and another like Ukraine in 2014. Do we see the possibility of a win? It is difficult to predict. What are we hoping for? Sanctions from the USA and the EU. Will sanctions force the ruling government to withdraw the law? It's uncertain. Russia can only be defeated with force; the Russian criminal system understands no other language.
The Larger Geopolitical Picture
Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine is part of a larger geopolitical struggle. For many years, the West overlooked Russia’s aggressive actions, returning to normal relations each time. However, the attack on Ukraine changed this view. Now, it is widely accepted that Russia is an enemy, trying to restore the Soviet empire’s borders and influence through hybrid warfare. The "Russian law" being imposed on Georgia is part of this conflict, aiming to pull Georgia away from the European Union and back under Russian control.
Georgia is geopolitically significant because it is a key to the Caucasus and Central Asia. Controlling Georgia would not only secure this important region for Russia but also weaken the pro-Western sentiment in nearby countries. The 2008 Russian attack on Georgia was meant to punish its success as a post-Soviet country developing without Russian influence. While the war delayed Georgia’s NATO aspirations, it did not achieve regime change. However, the current government's alignment with Russian interests threatens to reverse Georgia’s progress toward European integration.
Conclusion
If the Georgian Dream party succeeds in enforcing this law, it will mark a significant shift towards authoritarianism in Georgia. The law will label civil society and critical media as “organizations serving foreign interests,” stifling dissent and democracy. This move aligns Georgia with Russian interests, undermining its European aspirations and risking its future as a democratic state.
The stakes are high, and the next few weeks are crucial for Georgia’s future. International pressure and domestic protests must continue to prevent this law from taking effect and to keep Georgia on its path toward European integration.
About the Author
Giorgi Butikashvili is a Program Manager with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung in Georgia, specializing in Russian hybrid warfare and disinformation. With extensive experience as a freelance trainer and expert, he provides critical insights and training on countering these threats. Giorgi is dedicated to enhancing strategic communication and bolstering resilience against disinformation in the region.