The situation in Georgia has increasingly drawn the attention of civil society actors across Europe and beyond. Since the adoption of the “Transparency of Foreign Influence” law, which closely mirrors Russia’s foreign agent legislation, NGOs and independent media receiving foreign funding have faced growing pressure. The law imposes severe administrative burdens, stigmatises organisations, and endangers source confidentiality, making their work nearly impossible. Despite escalating risks, high fines protests that began last year are still ongoing in major cities, showing remarkable civic resilience.
We had the opportunity to speak with Natia Tavberidze, a human rights defender from Georgia. In this climate of growing repression, shrinking civic space, and attacks on freedom of speech and assembly, it is more vital than ever to listen to the voices of those still standing. Ms. Tavberidze shares her experience, her fears, her hopes and above all offers first-person insight into the deeply concerning developments on the ground.
How has the “foreign agent” law impacted your work or the sector more broadly? Can you explain the main consequences with some examples?
The “foreign agent” law in Georgia that was first introduced in February 2023, then soon withdrawn as a result of mass street protest – was already an alarming signal for Georgian Civil society and wider population: the law that closely imitates similar Russian legislation, shows the core aim of limiting freedoms and rights of civil society actors, independent media and more broadly – people in Georgia. Indeed, the act was re-introduced in April 2024 – this time, irrespective of condemnation by public and international partners and new waves of protests in the streets – the law was passed in May, 2024. It has started with a single legal act, and since then evolved into a fast-moving authoritarian style legislative campaign, “today, with one-party regime in the parliament, changes are made very fast, it is difficult, to keep track what has been passed”.
The core aim of newly passed legal acts, amendments or legislation is to restrict freedom of expression and association, and to create a hostile environment for independent actors. By labelling CSOs and media outlets as “foreign agents,” the government seeks to delegitimize their work, cut their access to foreign funding, and ultimately force many to shut down, self-censor by imposing high administrative fines or imprisonments for individuals failing to comply with the authoritarian-style law. In the end, it isn’t just about targeting civil society organisations, it affects every citizen. The law restricts freedoms of assembly & expression more broadly, and is designed to eliminate dissent: Banning opposition parties, protest-related restrictions, targeting equality, adopting homophobic legislation are just few to mention.
Do you feel that concern about the shrinking civic space is shared by the wider population, or is it mostly confined to those working in civil society and human rights?
The concern over shrinking civic space in Georgia is widely shared by the broader population and not just by those representing civil society organisations. It is clear that by targeting human rights defenders & Media – the “final aim” is to target wider public, rights & freedoms of people in Georgia, silencing all critical voices in the country, as well as the path of Georgia towards European Integration. According to various nationwide polls – more than 80% of Georgians want their country to become part of the European Union. And naturally the Russian-style laws were seen by majority of population as a threat. Therefore, it is a nationwide concern and fight for human rights and democracy.
The police brutality and violence against peaceful protestors during protests was shocking and unbearable. As assessed by independent mission and observers “the torture has returned in Georgia in 2024”, over 50 journalists have been physically injured, police & security forces have tortured and ill-treated protestors in police vans and police stations. Today, there are more then 70 political prisoners, including activists, a journalist charged with criminal “offences”, facing multi-years prison sentences.
What role do you think international donors or human rights networks can play in this moment?
International donors and human rights networks still play a vital role in supporting Georgian civil society during this crisis. First, they can help raise international awareness and show solidarity by amplifying the voices of those under threat. Also, since much of the information is in Georgian, translation and sharing information are crucial, external actors speaking up and using global mechanisms is more important than ever. While Georgian civil society actors and human rights defenders stay resilient and continue their legitimate human rights work, it is crucial that international actors continue their support and remain engaged and committed for fundamental human rights protection of people in Georgia.
What are the most pressing risks you foresee for CSOs in Georgia in the next 6–12 months?
In the coming months, CSOs in Georgia face escalating risks, including risks of criminal persecution. Some organisations have already had their bank accounts frozen, or targeted by state agencies requesting sensitive data related to organizations beneficiaries, this is another signal that human rights protection, provision of services to people in need is targeted.
The landscape is continuing to change unbelievably rapidly, and there is growing concern that the repression will deepen.
What gives you hope?
Today, even though the environment has become more dangerous, there are still daily protests in the capital and other cities. Irrespective of repressions, independent online media, social platforms, and citizen journalists are actively sharing information, covering protest. People are attending the court trials of political prisoners, even if the regime restricted media coverage of court trials, journalists and active citizens share the information in real-time comments and sketches shared via online channels and social media. It is a challenge, however, that while urban populations with easy access to internet have ways to remain informed, people in rural areas often lack access to reliable information.
Solidarity remains the strongest source of hope. Even in the most difficult moments, knowing that there is at least one person who stands with you can make a profound difference. People continue to support each other, those in prison receive letters, messages, and signs that they are not forgotten. This sense of mutual care, resistance, and connection is what sustains hope in this growing repression. And in the end, we all should remind to all those people who are now in difficult situations, who are imprisoned that this situation is a temporary stage., we never stop thinking and stand in solidarity with them.
👉 We have also explored the situation in Georgia here
