International Center for Not-For-Profit Law (ICNL) & European Center for Not-For-Profit Law (ECNL): Defending Democracy and Upholding Civic Freedom in Georgia

In early 2023, Georgians took to the streets to protest a highly restrictive draft foreign agent law. If adopted, the law would have required civil society organizations (CSOs) that receive more than 20 percent of their income from abroad to register as foreign agents. Branding these organizations as such would have several implications that would jeopardize their work and status as well as weakening civil society overall. The draft law also granted enforcement at the government’s discretion, thereby allowing the prosecution of opponents.

Within days of the draft’s release, ICNL and ECNL developed and disseminated an in-depth analysis of its flaws. The report highlighted contradictions with EU laws and Georgia’s international law obligations. Given Georgia’s EU aspirations, these were powerful arguments against the bill. It also showcased the potential authoritarian implications as well as the possible links with a very similar Russian law. The report was widely disseminated within the ICNL network and among its partners – human rights lawyers, youth activists, and international bodies. Georgian civil society representatives used it to submit comments to ruling party committee members during several hearings. Additionally, the report garnered significant local media coverage, including TV channels, independent online platforms, and influential English-language outlets.

By focusing on the draft’s broader implications, the ICNL and ECNL report helped partners add their voices to the massive campaign against the draft law, effectively ending the government’s consideration of this damaging legislation. As stated by Tamuna Karosanidze, EWMI Chief of Party based in Georgia: “The information and analysis from ICNL and ECNL on the foreign influence transparency draft law played a crucial role in assisting civil society organizations opposed to its adoption. The comprehensive insights and arguments presented in the analysis clearly outlined the potential harm to Georgian civil society and democracy, providing credible and persuasive reasoning.”