Georgian ‘foreign agents’ law comes into force

The legislation faced a presidential veto and prompted Washington to threaten the country’s parliament

The Speaker of the Georgian parliament has signed into law a controversial bill on foreign agent transparency. The US has threatened sanctions against officials in the post-Soviet nation over the piece of legislation.

Shalva Papuashvili signed the bill on Monday, after MPs voted last week to override a veto by President Salome Zourabichvili. It requires NGOs and media organizations that receive a significant amount of foreign funding to disclose this fact to the public.

Opponents of the bill, including the president, have branded it “Russian” and an attack on democracy. Supporters said it is similar to what Western nations, including the US, have in place.

DETAILS TO FOLLOW