Georgian parliament passes On Transparency of Foreign Influence bill

TBILISI. May 14 (Interfax) - The Georgian parliament has passed the bill On the Transparency of Foreign Influence at its third and final reading.

Since the day the legislative initiative was launched in parliament by the ruling Georgian Dream party in April, it has sparked an extremely negative reaction from opposition forces, who believe that the bill aims to 'stigmatize' non-governmental organizations that are not controlled by the authorities and the free press.

Almost 31,000 non-governmental organizations have been registered in Georgia, Georgian Dream party chairman Irakli Garibashvili said publicly.

Students have joined daily protests which have been ongoing in the Georgian capital Tbilisi since April 15. They are holding rallies and demonstrations. In response to proposals from the authorities suggesting that the sides engage in a discussion on the matter, all the bill's opponents unequivocally say that "The bill is Russian-made, and its adoption means a rapprochement with Russia."

According to a statement from Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, the bill pursues only one goal, which is to publish the financial reports of non-governmental organizations, the recipients of millions of dollars from abroad, who spend these funds "on subversive political activities."

The Georgian authorities have been facing intense international pressure aimed at making them recall the foreign agent bill. However, despite being threatened with sanctions, the Georgian government has said it intends to pursue a sovereign course.