Georgia’s “Foreign Agent” Law Faces Challenge in Constitutional Court

In Georgia, the controversial "foreign agent" law, which has sparked widespread opposition, violent demonstrations, and multiple legal challenges across the country for several months, is set for review in the Constitutional Court..The Foreign Agent Law.When first introduced, the law raised concerns about the country's European Union aspirations, as it mandates that organizations receiving more than 20 percent of their funding from abroad would be required to register as "foreign agents.".Passed by the ruling Georgian Dream party, the law is being linked by its detractors to similar legislation in Russia..Despite international and domestic pressures, Georgian Dream has defended the law as a measure to enhance transparency in NGO funding..Constitutional Challenges.President Salome Zurabishvili has challenged the law in the Constitutional Court after her veto was overruled. This marks the first instance of a Georgian president taking such an action..In addition to her lawsuit, 32 opposition MPs have also prepared to challenge the legislation, citing violations of Articles 22 and 78 of the Constitution, which relate to the protection of personal data and the country's commitment to European integration, respectively. These MPs are also seeking a temporary suspension of the law until the court reaches a decision..Amid these legal proceedings, the Public Defender, Levan Ioseliani, has indicated his office's involvement, although his exact role remains unspecified..Civil Sector and Global Perspectives.This legislative battle is compounded by other legal actions, including a lawsuit filed by 121 non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and another prepared independently by Gela Mtivlishvili, founder and editor of Mti News..The civil sector is further extending its efforts to the European Court of Human Rights..The European Union, through its foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, has expressed potential repercussions including reduced political contacts and a possible freeze on financial aid if Georgia persists with the law. Both the United States and the European Union have warned that the law could significantly hinder Georgia's path towards EU integration..This controversy unfolds as Georgia, having been granted EU candidate status in December, has yet to commence formal EU accession talks.