The draft law «On Transparency of Foreign Influence» submitted to the Parliament of Georgia causes deep concern and threatens the activities of civil society and media, the UN statement says.
«The bill threatens the respect and protection of such rights as freedom of association and self-expression, the right to participate in public activities, privacy and protection of personal data, and endangers the prohibition of discrimination», - stated in the appeal.
Earlier, the European Union stated that the adoption of such laws is incompatible with the implementation of recommendations for Georgia’s EU candidate status. The US also expressed serious concern.
The ruling party, "The Georgian Dream" responded to criticism. " The parliamentary consideration of this draft has not yet started. The hearing will start and we will have communication with both civil society and partners," said Speaker of Parliament Shalva Papuashvili. He reminded that transparency in itself is necessary to implement the recommendations of the European Commission.
The draft law envisages the creation of a base of "agents of foreign influence" in Georgia. Such entities may be considered as legal entities, NGOs and the media, with at least 20 per cent of their funding coming from abroad. If non-profit organizations and media that meet the criteria of a foreign agent do not apply to the Prosecutor General for the status, they will face a fine or imprisonment for up to 5 years.