All the norms of the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence, which oblige non-governmental and media organizations to register with the National Public Registry Agency as an organization carrying the interests of a foreign power, are in force from today, August 1.

In particular, registration in the register becomes mandatory for all organizations with more than 20% of their income coming from abroad.

According to the law, at the time of registration, it is necessary to reflect the information about the source, amount and purpose of any monetary amount and property value received in the previous year.

The applicant must provide information on the amount and purpose of any money spent during the previous year.

Besides, by the order of the Minister of Justice, the Department of Financial Declaration was established in the National Public Registry Agency.

The tasks of the department are to maintain the register of organizations carrying out the interests of foreign forces and ensure publicity, as well as to support the person authorized by the Ministry in the activities provided for by the Law on Transparency.

Avoiding registration as an organization carrying out the interests of a foreign power or not filling out the declaration will result in the organization being fined in the amount of GEL 25 000. The law also provides for the following types of fines: - GEL 10 000, if the organization does not fill out the application form within 10 working days from the entry on the website of the Ministry of Justice; In case of non-correction of defects in the documents within the specified period – GEL 10 000; Committing a legal offense after one month – GEL 20 000.