We are deeply concerned about its implications for freedom of speech and democracy in Georgia, the Spokesperson for the US Department of State said in response to a question about the bill drafted by People’s Power regarding the financing of non-governmental organizations.

“We do have concerns. We have deep concerns. We are aware of the draft legislation in the Georgian Parliament. We are deeply concerned about its implications for freedom of speech and democracy in Georgia. We’ve expressed those deep concerns directly to our interlocutors in the Government of Georgia.

The proposed law would stigmatize and silence independent voices and citizens of Georgia who are dedicated to building a better future for their own communities. We believe such a law could potentially undermine Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration.

To your question about erroneous comparisons to our laws, including FARA, these statements that the Georgian draft law is based on FARA – these statements are patently false. And in fact, this draft legislation appears to be based on similar Russian and Hungarian legislation, not on FARA or any other American legislation”, - said Ned Price.