(CNN) Georgia’s parliament on Friday formally outlawed a “foreign influence” bill that sparked major protests and an international outcry this week, according to the country’s public broadcaster First Channel.
Friday’s announcement came a day after the country’s ruling party announced it would scrap the proposed law, hours after tens of thousands of people rallied outside the Georgian parliament for a second night of protests. Senior officials from the US and the European Union also expressed concern over the bill.
The controversial law would require organizations deriving 20% or more of their annual income from abroad to register as “foreign agents” or face heavy fines – a proposal that rights experts warned would be dangerous in the country. There will be a chilling effect for civil society and damage to its democracy.
Georgian lawmakers formally repealed a controversial “foreign influence” bill on March 10, 2023, following widespread demonstrations against the country’s proposed legislation.
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