TBILISI — Georgia's parliament on Tuesday (May 14) passed the third and final reading of a 'foreign agents' bill, prompting a warning from the United States that if the legislation failed to meet European Union standards, Washington could review relations.
Law enforcement officers stand guard near the parliament building as demonstrators hold a rally to protest against a bill on "foreign agents" in Tbilisi, Georgia, May 14, 2024.TBILISI — Georgia's parliament on Tuesday passed the third and final reading of a "foreign agents" bill, prompting a warning from the United States that if the legislation failed to meet European Union standards, Washington could review relations.
The law would require organisations receiving more than 20 per cent of their funding from abroad to register as agents of foreign influence, imposing onerous disclosure requirements and punitive fines for violations. "If this legislation passes, this will compel us to fundamentally reassess our relationship with Georgia," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.
The bill passed with 84 members of parliament out of 150 voting in favour. Georgian television broadcast scuffles between ruling party and opposition lawmakers during the debate. The European Union, which gave Georgia candidate status in December, has repeatedly said the bill will be a barrier to Tbilisi's further integration with the bloc.
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