Georgian Parliament Approved the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence

The Georgian Parliament has approved the bill named Foreign Influence Transparency, which has caused debates nationwide, in the second reading as well. It is stated that the bill is facing concerns that it will restrict freedom of expression and put pressure on civil society organizations.

In the parliamentary vote, the bill was approved in the second reading with 83 votes in favor and 23 against. For the bill to become law, it needs to pass the third reading and then be submitted for the president’s approval. However, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili announced that she would veto the bill.

The bill, which has sparked violent protests across Georgia since April 15, is referred to as the ‘Russian law’ by the opposition and civil society organizations. It is expected that the bill will have repercussions both domestically and internationally.