FARA, mandatory registration and the return of the informer

On May 31st a new era begins in Georgia – and it is not a European

The Georgian Transparency Law—or rather, the so-called "FARA Law"—goes into effect on June 1. In the Georgian version, this means specifically: Anyone who receives even a single euro from abroad and is simultaneously socially or politically active will be labeled an agent of foreign influence . And that's no joke, it's the law.

While the government is making a media-friendly reference to the American FARA, it is deliberately ignoring the fact that the US version has strict criteria, is subject to judicial review—and is never, ever, used against independent media, academia, or human rights organizations. In stark contrast to what Georgia is now planning.

Linguistic irony: FARA means “flock of sheep” in Georgian

It's a detail that shouldn't be ignored: "FARA" means nothing other than "flock of sheep" ( ცხვრების ფარა ) in Georgian. And that's exactly how this law works: The state sees itself as the shepherd – and all those involved in civil society or journalistic activities are its sheep. Anyone who steps out of line is marked, monitored, or excluded from the flock.

It's an almost absurd ambiguity that fits seamlessly into political reality. With the "FARA" law, the state isn't calling for enlightenment, but rather for a census of the flock. And as every shepherd knows: sheep aren't allowed to think too much – they're supposed to follow. If necessary, with stick and dog.

Georgien 2025

The new reporting channel: Welcome to FARA eFile

The Georgian Anti-Corruption Bureau has already launched the new digital reporting channel "FARA eFile" online (faraefile.acb.gov.ge). You can now register there – or report others. The Bureau is also calling on citizens to report violations if they believe someone is actually required to register but doesn't. A special reporting hotline has been set up for this purpose: fara@acb.gov.ge – Phone: 0 (32) 219 33 20 .

No, this is not a bad joke from a George Orwell novel – this is Georgian domestic politics in the year 2025.

A return to proven traditions: Greetings from the GDR spy system

It's impossible to consider this law and its implementation without thinking about the methods used by the GDR. So-called "unofficial collaboration" (IM) was a central component of the Stasi's strategy. Citizens were specifically encouraged to spy on, report, and denounce others – often anonymously, usually without proof.

The mechanism is similar in today's Georgia: a central registry, administered by the state, with comprehensive documentation requirements, combined with public pressure and moral suspicion. Anyone who doesn't voluntarily become an "agent" risks investigation, fines, and perhaps even imprisonment. Those who register agree to submit regular reports, disclose sensitive information, and report all communications with the state within 48 hours. Welcome to the new bureaucracy of suspects.

Three options – and all lead to the abyss

A) Registration as an “Agent”

The seemingly straightforward option: You register to avoid repression—and thereby submit yourself to a Kafkaesque regime of control. You commit to:

• Semi-annual disclosure of all documents relating to financing, structure and activities,

• immediate reporting of any communication with authorities or politicians,

• public self-description as a “foreign agent” – also on Facebook or by email,

• and of course: the ongoing justification of its existence to a state that no longer has any trust.

B) Cessation of activity

For many international organizations, this means ceasing all activities or dismissing staff. For local NGOs, it means the end of their work. Those who no longer pay or receive payment are not subject to FARA—and thus cease to be active. The repression is effective.

C) Civil disobedience

Anyone who refuses to register exposes themselves to legal risk. But that could be the only way to delegitimize the law. If hundreds refuse, the system could be undermined. The path to Strasbourg is also open: urgent applications to the European Court of Human Rights to suspend the application of the law.

The subtle difference: Why the real FARA has nothing to do with Georgia's version

In the US, the FARA law only obligates organizations that act directly on the instructions of foreign governments—that is, genuine lobbyists in the service of foreign states. BBC, Deutsche Welle, or Le Monde? Not registered. And why? Because editorial independence exists. In Georgia, on the other hand, it's enough to work with children—and receive funding from abroad—and you're considered a tool of the West.

The Georgian law adopts the letter, but not the spirit, of FARA. The goal is not transparency, but control. Not the protection of democracy, but its undermining.

A collective dilemma: What to do?

All those working with international funding are now faced with the decision:

• Register and be checked?

• Give up and censor yourself?

• Or continue working and risk repression?

This doesn't just affect NGOs. Media outlets, universities, theater groups, churches, bloggers, photographers, activists, teachers, and translators can all be affected. And when they register, they register not only as institutions, but also by name . It's the creation of a transparent entity – with a legalistic veneer.

A law like a betrayal

The law is not a formality, but a profound intervention in a free society. Those who register are playing along with the regime's game. Those who remain silent are complicit. And those who denounce may feel powerful – until they themselves are on the list.

On June 1, 2025, not only will spring end in Georgia. A political winter will begin, one that will cost many their backbone—and perhaps some their freedom.