A register for registering foreign-funded non-governmental organizations and media has been launched in Georgia, based on the law on "foreign agents."
This was reported by News-Georgia, according to Yevropeiska Pravda.
The law obliges NGOs and media outlets that receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register with the register. They are declared "organizations that defend the interests of a foreign power."
Organizations have one month to register, until September 1.
After that, the Ministry of Justice will start monitoring to identify those who have evaded. It is not yet clear how it will be conducted.
By January 1, 2025, organizations must submit their income tax returns for 2023 to the Ministry of Justice. After January 1, they must publish data on the source and purpose of funding for 2024.
Failure to register and submit a declaration will result in a fine of 25 thousand GEL. Subsequently, another 20 thousand GEL will be charged for each month of delay.
The Georgian parliament passed the controversial law on "foreign agents" in May, which sparked mass protests and sharp criticism from the West.
Author - Dmitriy Levchenko, 01/08/2024