In the April of 2024, the government party of Georgia, Georgian Dream, initiated new law about transparency, which is the exact copy of the Russian Law about The Foreign Agents. This decision caused huge protest in the country.
The law earned it’s name, “Russian Law” back in 2023 because of the consequences that it’s adoption caused in Russia. The Law about the Foreign Agents was registered in Russia for first time on July 20, 2012. Initially, the law required foreign-funded non-governmental organizations to register in a special base as a foreign agents and submit reports to state. However with the May 2024 amendments, people registered as foreign agents are prohibited from voting in Elections.
In Georgia, this law implies cancellation of NGOs and media outlets, a large monetary fine, or being declared as a foreign agent. The anti-democratic decision of the government, caused a great protest in the society, which is fighting to get rid of the Russian influence. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia provoked three wars in Georgia. Georgian society openly sees that the government is doing everything to strengthen the Russian influence on the Country.
David Sekhniashvili, one of the organizers of the protests and a member of the political movement Step, mentions that, protests will have a great impact on the elections because many opposition-minded young people will take part in elections.
“We have seen many young people get involved in active political life. It is obvious that every anti-democratic action of the government affects them negatively. I am glad that two hundred and fifty thousand young people will participate in voting for first time and will help move our country towards the right future.”
The European Union was actively monitoring the events in Georgia. It should be noted that EU supports Georgian people who are fighting for their future. Mr. Sekhniashvili mentions that it is very important to see the support and hope from the EU, especially during post-election period.
“I think the support of the EU will strengthen the Georgian people. It is important that there is a lot of pressure on the government. The EU is doing the right thing when it threatens to impose sanctions and suspend visa liberalization.”
Elections in Georgia will be held on October 26. Government and opposition forces are actively preparing for the elections. Georgian society expects the government to use violence again, as it did during protests. Georgian Dream used tear gas, rubber bullets and pepper spray against innocent protesters to cause fear in them. The society believes that Russian pressure will increase to hold elections. Russian intelligence is already spreading information about potential preparation of the revolution in Georgia by foreign agencies.
“It’s going to be a tough day. Autocratic regimes are characterized by violence during elections. In my opinion, the new law about amnesty is also a prerequisite for this. The released criminals can abuse the voters.”
The law about amnesty can help government to release thousands of criminals from the penitentiary.
Today, the Georgian people are facing an important period. People have to choose between a bright European future or dark Russian regime. The proportional election format brings together like-minded parties to remove Russian regime.
