Photo : REUTERS/Irakli Gedenidze
By Neha Tresa George
Georgian Parliament passed the ‘foreign influence’ bill amid protests
On 14 May 2024, the parliament of Georgia had the third and final reading of the ‘foreign agent’ bill that has triggered protests across the country. While the bill was passed by eighty-four votes against thirty, a few politicians from the ruling Georgian Dream Party and the opposition came to blows thus escalating the debate. Meanwhile, around 2000 people were protesting outside the parliament which has become a regular sight in Tbilisi recently. The bill seeks to frame NGOs, media organizations, and other non-profit organizations as ‘institutions of foreign agents’ if they are funded for more than 20 per cent from abroad. Even though the government had justified the bill as an instrument to reduce the risk of escalating tensions with Russia, critics had argued it as a threat to domestic freedoms as this ultimately would dim the chances of Georgia’s membership to EU. While the European Council has expressed disagreement while asking the country to follow democratic principles and the rule of law to be a member, the United States passed a statement saying that it will “reassess” its relations with Georgia if the bill passes into law. (“Georgian parliament passed the ‘foreign influence’ bill amid protests,” Deutsche Welle, 14 May 2024)
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Protests continue against the Foreign Agents bill
On 11 May 2024, thousands of people protested against the ‘Foreign Agent’ bill in Tbilisi. The controversial bill has been termed the “Russian law” by critics who argue that it will undermine the country’s civil society. The law would require any NGO or media organization that receives more than 20 per cent of its funding from other countries to register as an “organization pursuing the interests of a foreign power.” Despite the numerous rallies held over the bill in April, the government has decided to revive it. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze argued that it will increase the transparency over the foreign funding of NGOs.
EU and US condemns the Foreign Agents Bill
On 03 May, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze in a conservation with European Council President Charles Michel expressed that there were no counterarguments against the proposed legislation. However, Michel said in support of the protests by the Georgians: “Georgia's future belongs with the EU. Don't miss this historic chance." Thousands of people marched to protest against the bill outside the Georgian Dream party's headquarters in Tbilisi. Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili showed her dissent and assured that she would veto the bill. Georgia has received advice from the US and the EU to repeal the law or risk jeopardizing its chances of becoming a member of the EU and of a wider Euro-Atlantic future.
Foreign Influence Bill advanced in parliament despite heavy protests
On 01 May, the legislators in Georgia passed the second of the three readings, of the controversial "foreign influence" bill. The law would require media and non-commercial organizations to register as "pursuing the interests of a foreign power" if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad, which resonates with a Russian law that silenced free press. However, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's ruling Georgian Dream party is determined to get the bill signed into law by mid-May, leading to scuffles between legislators, and expulsion of opposition members. Intense youth-led por- EU protests began in mid-April with severe clashes with the security forces on 30 April. Levan Khabeishvili, leader of the opposition bloc was heavily bandaged when he spoke in parliament. The European Union, which gave Georgia candidate member status in December, said the bill could halt its integration into the bloc and despite President Salome Zurabishvili’s opposition, the ruling party has enough seats in parliament to override it.
Foreign Influence Bill provokes widespread protests across Georgia
On 28 April, close to 20,000 people gathered at Tbilisi's central Republic Square protesting against the controversial “Foreign influence” bill. The earlier soviet backed Georgian state, now a member of the EU since 2023, has adopted Foreign Influence Bill, which is aimed at destroying the media and civil society. The ruling Georgian Dream party reintroduced the bill this month facing strong criticisms for a perceived democratic backsliding. The bill is observed to be "not consistent" with Georgia's application for EU membership, according to European Council President, Charles Michel. He claimed it: "…will bring Georgia closer to the EU, not further away." While Salome Zurabishvili, President of Georgia, threatened to veto the bill and is at odds with the ruling party. However, Georg has a strong majority in the legislature, which enables it to enact legislation and override a veto from the president without the backing of any opposition lawmakers. (“In Georgia, a 'March for Europe' to protest against controversial 'foreign influence' bill,” Le Monde, 29 April 2024)
Parliament passes the media bill in the first reading
On 17 April, large number of protestors gathered in Tbilisi after the lawmakers passed a bill considered controversial imposing control on media and non-commercial organisations. The bill mandates such organisations which receive more than 20 per cent of funding from foreign entity to register and therefore categorised as “foreign agents.” In the parliament, the bill was passed in the first reading with 83 in favour from the member of Georgian Dream party while opposition parliamentarians refrained from voting. The protests and objection from the opposition come as they consider the bill to limit freedom and functioning of civil society and media organisations and create a block towards the country entry into the EU. Josep Borell, EU foreign policy representative warned: “The final adoption of this legislation would negatively impact Georgia's progress on its EU path.” (“Georgia: Lawmakers pass 'foreign agent' law in first reading,” Deutsche Welle, 18 April 2024)
Police clear protesters against controversial ‘foreign agent’ bill
On 17 April, according to Deutsche Welle, Georgia’s riot police cleared protesters outside the parliament building in Tbilisi protesting the controversial “foreign agents” bill. They used pepper spray against the thousands protesting and kept water cannons on standby, detaining 11. The bill, brought by the ruling Georgian Dream party, stipulates that non-commercial organisations receiving 20 per cent or more of their funding from abroad will have to register as “pursuing interests of a foreign power”, dubbed as a Russian-styled bill. The ruling party holds a massive majority without needing opposition to support, with the bill receiving 78 votes in favour and only 25 against. (“Georgia: Riot police clear 'foreign agents' bill protesters”, Deutsche Welle, 17 April 2024)
Protestors take to streets against controversial “foreign agent” bill
On 08 April, according to Politico, several demonstrators gathered in the streets of Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, after the passing of the first stage of the controversial bill that brands civil society groups as “foreign agents”. Several groups have termed the law akin to Putin’s Russia, which aims to crack down on freedom of speech and funding for civil society groups. A version of the bill was dropped in March 2023 after a public outcry and international condemnation, which was brought back on agenda by the ruling Georgian Dream party, without changes made to the text. Under the law, organisations that receive more than 20 per cent of their funding from abroad will be labelled as those with foreign influence, leading to considerable administrative rules and substantial fines. Humanitarian organisations could also face the risk of being slapped with the label. The proposal has created strained relations with the EU, with Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs, noting that its “chilling effect” will have “negative consequences for the many Georgians benefiting from their (civil society) work”. He added that the law was “incompatible with EU values and standards”. (Gabriel Gavin, “Protests begin in Georgia against ‘Russian law’,” Politico, 08 April 2024)
FRANCE
President Macron condemns the graffiti attack on the ‘Holocaust Memorial’
On 14 May 2024, French President Emmanuel Macron condemned a graffiti attack on Paris’ Wall of the Righteous Holocaust Memorial as an act of “odious antisemitism.” The monument which serves as a reminder of those 3900 people who helped to save Jews during the Nazi occupation of France from 1940-42, was vandalized with painting of twenty red hands. According to the Ariel Weil, District Mayor, nearby Jewish institutions were also targeted. Paris has the world’s third-largest Jewish population along with the largest Arab population in Europe. Triggering contempt and criticism from authorities and Jewish communities, this particular act serves as a reminder of the dark days in the past as it coincides with the Nazi’s first roundup in France. Since the Hamas attack on Israel, France has witnessed a surge in the number of antisemitic attacks. While the pro-Palestinian student protests claim the red hands to be a gesture for the call for a ceasefire in Gaza, critics argue that they are symbolic of the blood-soaked hands of Palestinians cheering exuberantly after the lynching of two Israeli reservists in Ramallah in 2000. (“French President Macron condemns the graffiti attack on the ‘Holocaust Memorial’,” Deutsche Welle, 14 May 2024)
Paris Court acquits Roman Polanski in a defamation case
On 14 May 2024, the ninety-year-old filmmaker Roman Polanski was acquitted by a French court on a defamation case filed by Charlotte Lewis in which she claimed that he had raped her in the 1980s while working on a film with him. In the ruling, the court said it was whether Polanski had abused his right to free speech. Polanski who resides in Switzerland did not attend the trial. Polanski had called the accusations a “heinous lie” and also quoted one of her statements that she had “wanted to be his mistress.” Polanski who is famed for films like “Chinatown,” and “The Pianist” has faced several sexual allegations in the past but has never been convicted. He had fled in 1978 after pleading guilty to having unlawful sex with a thirteen-year-old. He had also faced similar allegations from many women in the wake of the #MeToo movement but has denied the accusations vehemently. The court’s decision came as France’s famous Cannes Film Festival is set to honour women in film. (“Paris Court acquits Roman Polanski in a defamation case brought by a British actress,” Deutsche Welle , 14 May 2024)
ITALY
Police detain over 100 suspected members of the ‘Ndrangheta mafia
On 14 May 2024, Italian police detained one hundred and nine alleged members of the ‘Ndrangheta tribe in the Calabrian city of Cosenza. The arrested members are suspected of drug trafficking, mafia association, and extortion of shopkeepers and business people in that area. According to the estimates of the Italian police, the ‘Ndrangheta may control up to 80 percent of Europe’s cocaine market. The drugs that are shipped from Latin America via containers are taken for delivery by these mafia groups. The raid was carried out by anti-mafia prosecutors, with Carabinieri special police, federal and local officers along with the economic crimes unit. Special operations against them in the past have resulted in the arrest of 30 members along with lengthy jail sentences for high-ranking bosses. (“Italian Police detain over 100 suspected members of the ‘Ndrangheta mafia,” Deutsche Welle, 14 May 2024)
REGIONAL
EU to introduce reforms for migration and asylum
On 14 May 2024, the EU approved the reforms for migration and asylum seekers under the so-called New Pact on Migration and Asylum with the new rules coming into effect from 2026. It has been in work for eight years and the economy ministers of the Union’s 27 countries have given the final nod for tougher borders and shared responsibility for asylum seekers among the members. The final approval just came before the election to the European Parliament. The pact comprises10 pieces of legislation, backed by the majority of the bloc’s countries except Hungary and Poland. The new rule seeks to make the European asylum more effective in increasing the solidarity among the members. Under the new rules, the asylum seekers are to be identified within days of arrival so that their details will be stored in an EU database to determine their chances of risk in permitting to stay. In case of a burden faced by a particular country, it will be able to request more solidarity with all 27 members to decide together in a crisis. The new pact also works for the faster deportation of people if they are declared safe. (“EU to introduce reforms for migration and asylum,” Deutsche Welle, 14 May 2024)