These laws seem to be clearly in line with Russian law, which is aimed at stigmatizing civil society, it’s aimed at silencing dissenting voices. Such a statement made today the US Ambassador in Georgia.

“The draft legislation seems to be in search of a problem. Every day, there’s a new reason why this legislation needs to be introduced. First, it was transparency when there’s already plenty of transparency into how foreign assistance is supporting Georgians. The purpose of these laws is completely different from the law in the United States. These laws are aimed at blocking Georgians who are helping other Georgians. These are Georgians who are trying to address problems in their communities and provide services, whether it’s on climate change, or for business associations, or for young people, or people with disabilities, legal assistance to people who are in some cases in desperate need. These laws seem to be clearly in line with Russian law, which is aimed at stigmatizing civil society. It’s aimed at silencing dissenting voices.

When you look at what’s going on in Russia right now, you see that Russian law has been very effective in silencing civil society and dissenting voices. Georgia has fought hard to build its democracy, to protect its freedoms. These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.

That is why you hear concerns from the United Nations, from the European Union, from the United States, from many of Georgia’s long-standing friends, who’ve been working with Georgia for over 30 years, to help improve Georgia’s freedoms, protect Georgia’s freedoms, and build the institutions. So that is why people are very concerned. Georgia does not need this law. That is the question I think that needs to be answered. Why introduce the law?”, - said Kelly Degnan.