What is the newly passed ‘Russia law’ that has divided people in Georgia for months?

Critics of the new law fear that it undermines freedom of speech and media, thus jeopardizing Georgia’s EU membership aspiration. Lawmakers ignored weeks of massive protests on the streets of Tbilisi which also expressed anger at Russia.

Here’s a look at the law and protests against it:

What does this law do?

In case non-governmental organizations, other nonprofits and mass media receive over 20% of their budget from foreign sources, they will have to register as “working in the interests of a foreign state.”

This version has been through its third and final reading in parliament on Tuesday –the same process that made last year’s similar one withdrew by Georgian Dream under pressure.

The party in power claims that the legislation is needed to mitigate negative impact of foreign actors upon Georgian politics and curb unnamed foreign powers who may be attempting to destabilize it.

Opponents call it “Russian legislation” because Moscow uses such laws to marginalize independent news agencies as well as entities critical about the Kremlin. Opposition MPs have recently accused ruling party members of seeking to pull Georgia into Russia’s orbit of influence.

Before it can come into force, the bill is expected to be sent for consideration by the president. However, Salome Zourabichvili who increasingly opposes these authorities has vowed to veto it, but Georgian Dream holds enough seats in parliament not to let this happen.

How are ties between Russia and Georgia?

Since Soviet Union collapsed in 1991 along with Georgia ceasing being its republic ties between Russia and Georgia were strained and turbulent.

Later that same year, Georgia tried but failed miserably to regain control over South Ossetia which led to a short war with Russia. As a result, Moscow recognized South Ossetia and another breakaway region called Abkhazia as independent states with military bases stationed there. Most countries still consider both territories parts of Georgia.

While Moscow-Tbilisi diplomatic relations were suspended long ago, status of those regions remains one of the most painful issues for Russia and Georgia has been improving its ties lately.

The governing party denies the opposition’s charges that it is “a political satellite” of Moscow, which were leveled against it by United National Movement, founded by Bidzina Ivanishvili, a former prime minister and billionaire who made his fortune in Russia.

What is the EU’s take on this?

According to Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission (HR/VP), it was “a very disturbing outcome” from Parliament and he added: “If adopted finally, this legislation would be detrimental to Georgia’s progress on its European path.” Earlier today, Borrell said that the draft law runs counter to EU fundamental norms and values because it will curtail media freedom as well as hinder civil society activities.

Following adoption of the law, Charles Michel, President of the European Council stated: “if they want to join the EU, they have to respect the fundamental principles of rule of law and democratic principles”.