The Georgian Dream parliament is set to adopt controversial amendments that will further restrict the space for civil society and weaken independent media. Among these changes, the ruling party plans to introduce a new law targeting civil society organisations (CSOs), remove existing guarantees for civic participation in decision-making processes, prohibit media outlets from receiving foreign funding, and enable interference in editorial policy. They are also set to remove references to gender from the legal framework. Alongside the human rights violations during the ongoing protests, these proposed changes mark one of the most significant assaults on civil society and independent media.
Amid ongoing protests, the Georgian Dream party initiated several legislative amendments that, if passed, will further deteriorate the situation for CSOs and media. Since late February, the party has begun discussions in parliament and the approval process for these changes.
Below, we provide a brief analysis of the proposed changes and their negative impact on civil society and media:
1. Pressing forward to criminalise and attack organisations: Foreign Agents Registration Act/FARA
What has been proposed so far? On March 4, the Georgian Dream parliament supported the 'Foreign Agents Registration Act' in its first reading. The law would require natural persons and legal entities deemed agents of a foreign principal to register, submit periodic declarations and face criminal liability for non-compliance.
According to the draft FARA, a “foreign principal’s agent” will be any entity that:
- Operates under the subordination, supervision, or control of a foreign principal, or receives the majority of its funding or income from one;
- Engages in political activities in the interest of or in accordance with the interests of a foreign principal; acts as a public agent or political consultant; collects or disburses funds or other resources; represents the principal’s interests before state authorities.
What is the threat at hand? Thus, the new law will most likely apply to online media, which falls under the definition of a public agent. CSOs were explicitly mentioned in the draft law’s explanatory note as being covered by the law, a point confirmed during the parliamentary hearing on March 4 by the representative of the Georgian Dream party, Archil Gurdeladze.
The draft FARA introduces criminal liability. If an organisation or natural person fails to register, its leaders (including directors and board members) may face up to five years of imprisonment or a fine. Individual employees may also be subject to criminal liability for violating other obligations established by the law.
"The Anti-Corruption Bureau has been designated as the authority responsible for enforcing the law." The ACB has already been used to target CSOs, during the 2024 elections it labelled two organisations as “persons with a declared electoral goal”. As a result of such designation, these CSOs were suppressed from registering as observers of the 2024 elections, monitoring the electoral campaign, and other activities relating to the electoral process. This action is not compliant with Georgia’s obligations under international law or with European Union standards. The decisions by ACB were restrictive and unfounded, and consequently, failed to safeguard the civic space and protect the operational environment for CSOs and ensure their independence and ability to function effectively.
According to the law’s authors, the presented version is an exact translation of the legislation currently in force in the United States. However, the US Attorney General has clarified that FARA should only be enforced criminally in a targeted manner, in instances of "conduct similar to more traditional espionage by foreign government actors." Thus, the Georgian draft FARA considering the context in which is being considered, and the broad application to all organisations, is not comparable to the law enforced in the United States. Given that court decisions in Georgia are often favourable to the ruling power, civil society will become even more vulnerable with the expected unfair application of the law. The law puts forward heavy financial and administrative burdens that could lead to the arrest of civil society representatives. The aim of the law is clearly to control and even dismantle CSOs.
2. New media restrictions: Amendments to the Law on Broadcasting
What has been proposed so far? On March 4, the Parliament reviewed the draft law On Amendments to the Law of Georgia 'On Broadcasting' in its first reading. 82 MPS supported the draft.
The proposed amendments impose restrictions on broadcasters receiving direct or indirect funding from foreign powers, with exceptions for commercial advertising, teleshopping, sponsorship, and product or service placement within the programme. The amendments also introduce content regulations. The amendments revise broadcasting standards and grant the National Communications Commission the authority to address violations of these standards.
For the purposes of this law, a foreign power is defined as any natural person without Georgian citizenship or any entity not established under Georgian legislation.
What is the threat at hand? The amendments expand the requirements for accuracy of facts, fairness, and impartiality while restricting the right to freedom of expression on privacy grounds. Several vague provisions have been introduced, giving the Communications Regulatory Commission the potential for misuse. Additionally, the amendments weaken the broadcaster's self-regulation mechanism and transfer these powers to the National Communications Commission, allowing the Commission to intervene in the broadcaster's editorial policy and employ punitive measures, including license revocation.
This draft law seeks to permanently cut off financial sources for media outlets already facing severe financial difficulties while also creating mechanisms to interfere with broadcasters' editorial policies and punish them. As a result, these amendments contradict the constitutional right to freedom of expression and international human rights standards.
3. Restricting and stigmatising the right to public participation
What has been proposed so far? On March 4, the Georgian Dream Parliament supported amendments in the first reading, which state that the participation of CSOs in decision-making process will no longer be mandatory. The relevant amendment is included in 14 different legislative acts.
The explanatory note to the draft law vaguely states that CSOs are funded from abroad and serve the interests of the funding states and organisations; therefore, their participation in the decision-making process serves not the interests of the local community, but the political and economic agendas of external forces. This reasoning is contrary to international standards, which guarantee individuals and organisations freedom to access any source of funding and not be stigmatised for it. According to the amendments, institutions will no longer need to involve CSOs in the selection processes for various public positions or commissions (e.g. to become a member of the selection commission for the heads of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, the Personal Data Protection Service, and the Special Investigation Service).
What is the threat at hand? The implications of these changes mean further closing the space for citizens to take any part in decision-making processes, as well as for any independent and critical voices. The proposed changes also allow space only for organisations loyal to the political party in power, which, combined with the introduction of a state funding program, further indicates the creation of a tightly controlled and parallel, state-loyal civil sector.
4. Revisions to gender equality law
What has been proposed so far? On February 19, 2025, the ruling party introduced a legislative package in parliament proposing to remove the terms “gender” and “gender identity” from 16 different laws. Additionally, “gender equality” would be replaced with “equality between women and men.”
According to the explanatory note accompanying the law, “For a certain period, the gender issue in Georgia was used to interfere in the country's internal affairs.” The proposed amendments define “equality between women and men” as a component of human rights, emphasising equal rights, duties, responsibilities, and participation of both sexes in all aspects of personal and public life. Additionally, the term “gender characteristics” will be replaced with “sexual characteristics”.
According to the amendments, the Council on Gender Equality in the Parliament will be abolished. Provisions requiring the establishment of similar councils in the highest representative bodies of autonomous republics and local municipalities will also be eliminated.
What is the threat at hand? The removal of the concept of gender equality from legislation not only worsens the protection of rights for people of different genders, but also restricts the work of organisations that have previously focused on this issue and protected the interests of vulnerable groups. This comes as another attack to concerned groups, after the adoption of the law on the “Protection of Family Values and Minors” which includes a ban on gay marriage (even though this is already banned in the Constitution), censorship of LGBTQIA+ content, and a ban on gender reassignment surgeries and legal procedures. The law further prohibited gatherings and demonstrations if their purpose is “to promote” a person’s identification with a gender “other than their own,” same-sex relationships, or incest. This measure negatively affected CSOs protecting the rights of the community, including those organising Pride marches.
What does it all mean for civil society?
The limitation of the possibility of CSOs to take part in decision-making process will lead to further diminishing of the public oversight of government actions. Additionally, the restrictive laws will weaken CSOs and the media and will leave even less space for vulnerable groups and individuals whose voices are marginalised in society. Removing gender equality from legislation fundamentally undermines the rights of victims, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community, making it even more difficult to defend their rights in the future. These initiatives represent one of the most widespread attacks on civil society in Georgia. Civil society expects that the ruling party will adopt the proposed changes.
In response to the current trend in the country, advocacy groups must continue to push for legal challenges, international diplomatic pressure, and public awareness campaigns. Consolidation and unity among CSOs are also crucial.