Amidst tens of thousands of massive protests in Georgia, the UN Human Rights Commissioner has called on the Georgian government to withdraw a controversial bill that has been compared to a similar law in Russia. The bill, which aims to register media and non-governmental organizations that receive more than a fifth of their funding from outside Georgia as promoters of foreign interests, has sparked widespread opposition from Georgians who fear it is essentially a replica of Russia’s law on foreign agents.
The foreign minister, Elina Valtonen, expressed concern about the clashes at the protests in Georgia and stated that violence against peaceful demonstrators is not acceptable. Valtonen emphasized that Georgians have the right to protest against the bill on foreign influence. Additionally, the UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Turk urged the Georgian government to withdraw the controversial bill and expressed concern about the violence used by the police against protesters.
The ongoing protests and international pressure underscore the significance of the situation in Georgia regarding the controversial bill. Despite police attempts to suppress the demonstrations, they have continued to be massive, with protesters shouting “No to Russia” in opposition to the bill. The protests are significant because they highlight Georgia’s desire for closer ties with Europe and its fear that Russian influence could undermine these efforts.
Georgia has received candidate status for EU membership and President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen noted that Georgia is at a crossroads and should continue on this path towards Europe. Valtonen stressed that it is crucial for Georgia to maintain its democratic values and respect human rights while pursuing its integration into Europe.
In conclusion, while some may view Georgian protests as mere political maneuvering or an attempt to gain favor with Western powers, they are an important reminder of how deeply rooted Russian influence remains in many countries across Eastern Europe. As such, it is vital for all nations seeking closer ties with Europe to remain vigilant against any attempts by Moscow to exert undue influence or threaten their sovereignty.