President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili vetoed controversial “foreign agents” law sparking protests

President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili has made a bold move by vetoing a controversial “foreign agents” law that has been likened to Russian-style legislation and has sparked massive protests in the country. The law, adopted by Georgia’s parliament on May 14th, would have required civil society organizations receiving more than 20% of their income from foreign sources to register as foreign agents.

Taking to Twitter to announce her veto, Zourabichvili stated, “Today, I vetoed the Russian law. This law, in its essence and spirit, is fundamentally Russian, contradicting our constitution and all European standards. It thus represents an obstacle to our European path.” This bold decision has been met with both praise and criticism, as it highlights the ongoing debate within Georgia on the country’s direction and relationship with Russia.

The adoption of the law has led to widespread protests, with critics accusing the government of trying to isolate Georgia from the rest of the world. The backlash has even prompted several high-profile officials to resign in protest, including the current ambassador to France, Gotcha Javakhishvili.

International advocacy groups have also raised concerns about the law, arguing that it stifles civil society and fundamental freedoms. Marie Struthers, Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia at Amnesty International, commented that the law “contravenes Georgia’s international obligations on the rights to freedom of expression and association and strikes at the heart of civil society’s ability to operate freely and effectively.”

Zourabichvili’s veto represents a significant moment in Georgia’s political landscape and has reignited discussions about the country’s future direction. As the debate continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this decision will shape Georgia’s relationship with Russia and the wider international community.