The United States today condemns the Kremlin-inspired “foreign influence” law introduced in the Parliament of Georgia and the false narrative that government officials have adopted to defend it. Members of the ruling party have made clear that the law is intended to silence critical voices and destroy Georgia’s vibrant civil society, which serves as a vital check on government in any democratic nation.
This law and the anti-Western rhetoric of the Georgian Dream put Georgia on a precarious path. The statements and actions of the Georgian government are inconsistent with the democratic values that underlie membership in the EU and NATO and thus jeopardize Georgia’s path to Euro-Atlantic integration. Comments misrepresenting foreign aid to Georgia – which we have provided for 32 years to strengthen Georgia’s economy, democracy and ability to deter Russian aggression – are fundamentally at odds with our relationship with the government and people of Georgia. Weakens the strong relationships developed.
We stand with the Georgian people and their right to have their voices heard. We condemn the use of violence against peaceful protests, including against journalists covering the demonstrations. The use of force to suppress peaceful assembly and freedom of expression is unacceptable, and we urge the authorities to allow non-violent protesters to continue exercising their right to freedom of expression.
georgias-western-trajectory-at-risk-united-states-department-of-state
