Georgia’s Government Tightens the Authoritarian Screws: International Community Alarmed

In the wonderful democracy of Georgia — at least the one the government so insistently presents to us every day — astonishing things are once again unfolding. The Georgian non-governmental organization “Georgian Young Lawyers Association” (GYLA) has decided to inform a total of 15 international human rights mechanisms about the government’s recent escapades. This concerns the laws that were passed under the pleasant-sounding banner of “protection from foreign influence.” We’re talking about the now infamous “Foreign Agents Registration Act” and the amendments to the “Law on Grants.”

At first glance, these laws sound harmless and perhaps even necessary — after all, who wants unchecked foreign interference? But if you look closer, you’ll quickly notice that the wording of these laws is deliberately vague and expansive, allowing them to fit conveniently into any political narrative. Only a cynic would suspect bad intentions here — or as we at tiflis24.de like to say: if you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear. Unfortunately, reality tells a different story.

The government, led by the “Georgian Dream” party, uses these “well-intentioned” laws to strengthen its own power base and deliberately silence critics. A shocking twist — who would have thought that laws with authoritarian traits might ultimately be used in an authoritarian way?

American Role Model as a Fig Leaf — Really?

The Georgian government loves to claim that its law is merely a copy of the American “Foreign Agents Registration Act” (FARA). But this comparison doesn’t just limp — it practically crawls through political Tbilisi. While FARA focuses exclusively on lobbying activities and leaves civil society organizations that merely receive foreign funding alone, the Georgian law opens every possible door for arbitrary persecution and surveillance by the authorities.

With this, the “Georgian Dream” is deliberately using a deceptive package that outwardly pretends to embody democratic values while, in reality, enforcing hardline repression. But then again, a “democracy façade” has become something of a trademark — not just here in Georgia, but unfortunately particularly effective here.

No Grants Without Permission — Thank You, Dear Government!

In addition to the agents law, the Georgian government has amended the “Law on Grants.” Now, non-governmental organizations are prohibited from accepting foreign grants without the express permission of the government. Convenient, isn’t it? After all, this makes it wonderfully easy to control who says what, when, and why — or rather, who doesn’t say anything at all.

These regulations create a new tool that allows the government to elegantly and seemingly lawfully silence critical voices. It should come as no surprise if it soon turns out that government-friendly organizations, of course, always receive all necessary approvals without issue, while more critical voices suddenly encounter mysterious bureaucratic obstacles.

Protest? Better Not, or Risk Heavy Fines

These laws should not be viewed in isolation but as part of a larger, systematic attack on democratic freedoms. In recent months, we’ve already seen how the government deals with peaceful demonstrators: hefty fines, systematic intimidation, and even torture and inhumane treatment have sadly become the everyday reality of the Georgian protest movement.

The government seems determined to crush every form of resistance in its infancy — a remarkable strategy for a country that officially still strives toward Europe and the West. A democratic nightmare, so to speak — or simply “Georgian Dream,” as the ruling party ironically calls itself.

State Institutions — Independent? Not Even Close!

Another critical point emphasized by GYLA concerns the supposedly independent state institutions that are meant to interpret and enforce these laws. The bitter reality is that these institutions have now been completely taken over by the “Georgian Dream” and primarily serve the party’s interests rather than those of the population.

It’s almost satirical that a party claiming to stand for the rule of law and democracy systematically dismantles all checks and balances, turning institutions into instruments of its own political agenda.

The International Community Must Step Up

In light of this situation, GYLA is calling on the international community to take a clear stand and to massively support Georgian civil society and independent media. Whether this appeal will actually be heard remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: if Europe and the West want to continue praising Georgian democracy as a success story, they had better act soon — before the democratic fig leaf is completely swallowed up by autocratic reality.

And until then, we at tiflis24.de have no choice but to keep a critical eye, comment with irony, and loudly defend the few remaining freedoms in Georgia. After all — sarcasm is something even repressive laws can’t forbid. At least not yet.