Georgia

Demonstrators in Georgia’s capital Tbilisi taped their mouths on March 6 to protest against a draft law that would have required NGOs and media organisations receiving more than 20 per cent of their annual funding from abroad to register as “foreign agents”. Labelled as an attack on free expression and legitimate civic activism, the law was dropped.
Demonstrators in Georgia’s capital Tbilisi taped their mouths on March 6 to protest against a draft law that would have required NGOs and media organisations receiving more than 20 per cent of their annual funding from abroad to register as “foreign agents”. Labelled as an attack on free expression and legitimate civic activism, the law was dropped. © Gvantsa Seturidze

Georgia: "I have never felt as exposed to threats"

A worsening media environment and rising physical and professional threats have left many feeling unsafe.

3 May 23
An evening view of Tsalenjikha, a village in Georgia's western region of Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. Magda Kharchilava, 24, left the village of nearly 4,000 people to study in the capital Tbilisi but decided to return to pursue her photography and art passion. She is an exception: young Georgians are leaving rural areas in droves due to lack of education and job opportunities in the regions.
An evening view of Tsalenjikha, a village in Georgia's western region of Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. Magda Kharchilava, 24, left the village of nearly 4,000 people to study in the capital Tbilisi but decided to return to pursue her photography and art passion. She is an exception: young Georgians are leaving rural areas in droves due to lack of education and job opportunities in the regions. © Magda Kharchilava

Young Georgians Abandon Rural Life for the Capital

As Tbilisi swells, towns and villages lose the very force that could keep them alive.

28 Mar 23
A journalist holds a sign labelling a draft law currently under discussion in Georgia as "a Russian law" during a protest staged in front of the Parliament on 2 March, 2023. The government is facing domestic and international calls to backtrack on plans to adopt a "foreign influence agents" bill as critics say it mimics a similar law in Russia.
A journalist holds a sign labelling a draft law currently under discussion in Georgia as "a Russian law" during a protest staged in front of the Parliament on 2 March, 2023. The government is facing domestic and international calls to backtrack on plans to adopt a "foreign influence agents" bill as critics say it mimics a similar law in Russia. © Gvantsa Seturidze/IWPR

Draft Law on Foreign Agents Sparks Outcry in Georgia and Abroad

Ruling party says that bill ensures transparency; critics argue it mimics Russian laws and will crush EU integration.

3 Mar 23
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