FARA law aims to protect Georgia’s sovereignty, says MP Matikashvili

David Matikashvili, an MP from the ruling Georgian Dream party and Chair of the Georgian Parliament’s Committee on Procedural Issues and Rules, on Monday said the legislative framework of the FARA law was serving to ensure Georgia's sovereignty and protect it from non-transparent funds of dubious origin.

In his remarks, Matikashvili emphasised that the purpose of such funds was not to benefit the country but, on the contrary, to undermine democracy in Georgia.

He also noted that organisations refusing to register under the new law would face consequences.

“Refusal by organisations to register will lead to appropriate measures. Naturally, any organisation that opposes the law that has come into force and fails to register in the prescribed manner will be subject to sanctions”, Matikashvili said.

The Foreign Agents Registration Act, often referred to as a copy of the American FARA, has already come into force. The law is based on the best international practice and applies to non-governmental and media organsations, as well as individuals who receive foreign funding.