We remain deeply concerned that this draft legislation, if enacted, could stigmatize civil society organizations, Patel refers to Georgian controversial bill

Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesperson of US State Department referred to the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence, passed in Georgian Parliament earlier with the first reading. 

 

“We remain deeply concerned that this draft legislation, if enacted, could stigmatize civil society organizations working to improve the lives of Georgian citizens and media organizations operating within Georgia to provide information to Georgian citizens. We think that civil society, journalism, media organizations, are cornerstones to any democratic society. And we urge the Georgian Government to heed warnings that this bill is not in line with the European Union’s norms and values, and it certainly would negatively impact Georgia’s progress on its EU path”, Patel said in a press briefing.