Hrw Criticizes Georgian Government Over Failure To Investigate Attacks On Critics

Georgia: Accountability Needed for Attacks on Government Critics

WEB Investigations Fall Short

The Georgian authorities have failed to demonstrate accountability for the violent attacks on prominent government critics that occurred last night by unknown individuals, raising concerns about the state of justice and the rule of law in the country.

Call for End to Violence

Berlin, May 9, 2024 - The Georgian parliament's introduction of a bill obliging certain non-governmental groups (NGOs) and media outlets to register as "foreign agents" has drawn criticism from rights groups.

The bill, which was passed by the parliament on Wednesday, requires NGOs and media outlets that receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register with the Ministry of Justice as "foreign agents."

Rights groups have criticized the bill, saying it is designed to silence critical voices and restrict freedom of expression in the country.

Georgian Rights Groups Criticize Police Use of Administrative Charges

Georgian rights groups have criticized the persistent problem of police use of administrative charges to detain and harass government critics and activists.

In a report released on Tuesday, the Human Rights Center (HRC) said that the police have increasingly used administrative charges, such as disorderly conduct and petty theft, to detain and harass government critics and activists.

The HRC said that the use of administrative charges is a violation of due process and undermines the right to freedom of assembly and expression.

Georgian President Vetoes Bill Obliging NGOs and Media Outlets to Register as "Foreign Agents"

On Saturday, Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili issued a widely expected veto of the bill that would have required certain non-governmental groups (NGOs) and media outlets to register as "foreign agents."

In her veto message, Zourabichvili said that the bill was "unconstitutional" and violated the right to freedom of expression.

She also said that the bill was "unnecessary" because Georgia already has laws in place to regulate the activities of NGOs and media outlets.