Georgian Parliament approved the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence

The Georgian parliament approved the controversial bill named ‘Transparency of Foreign Influence’ in the second reading, which has caused intense protests in the country.

Approval Process of the Bill

The bill, which has received backlash for restricting freedom of expression and pressuring civil society organizations in Georgia, was approved in the second reading with 83 votes in favor and 23 against. The bill will now be presented to the parliament for the third reading, and if approved, it will be submitted to the President for final approval. President Salome Zurabishvili has announced that she will exercise her veto power against the bill.

Cause of the Protests

The bill that has been the cause of intense protests in Georgia since April 15 is referred to as the ‘Russian law’ by the opposition and civil society organizations.