The US Called the Adoption of the “Foreign Agents Law” a Dark Day for Georgian Democracy

U.S. senators expressed disappointment over the adoption of the bill “On Transparency of Foreign Influence” by the Georgian parliament and called last Tuesday “a dark day for Georgian democracy”. The statement, signed by 11 senators, said the passage of the law would fundamentally alter Georgia’s relationship with the US and damage its aspirations for EU membership. “This vote was cast in violation of the wishes of hundreds of thousands of Georgians who continue to peacefully protest against legislation that will not only be used to limit free speech but will hinder the advancement of democracy in Georgia,” the statement quoted by Georgian media said. “Passage of this law will fundamentally alter Georgia’s relations with the US and damage its aspirations for EU membership,” the document said. As the senators specified, the change in US policy could include sanctions, visa bans and a review of US direct aid. The day before, the Georgian parliament adopted in the third and final reading the draft law “On Transparency of Foreign Influence”, which triggered thousands of protests and unprecedented criticism of the Georgian authorities by Western partners.