Dozens of people in Georgia have been summoned for questioning by the police in connection with a wave of protests against the so-called “Foreign Agents Law,” the news website civil.ge has said.
The legislation has sparked widespread protests in Georgia for over a month, with critics claiming that the government could use it to dismantle civil society and usher in Russian-style authoritarianism.
The bill was vetoed by Salome Zourabichvili, the Georgian president, but this is expected to be overturned by parliament.
Some of the summonses, civil.ge added, contain only the case number, with no information on the charges or the subject of the investigation, while others refer to specific articles of Georgian criminal law concerning the occupation or blockading of a broadcasting facility or other vital facilities.
Human rights activists said that the court orders are intended to intimidate opponents of the bill.
They added that people summoned for interrogation are not legally obliged to appear before the police. They recommend requesting an interrogation in court, where the charge and status of the summoned person must be officially presented, and the presence of a lawyer is mandatory.
The police summons could add to the political tensions surrounding the bill, which stipulates that legal entities and media outlets receiving more than 20% of their budgets from abroad must register as agents of foreign influence.
Opponents also warn that it could lead to Georgia falling back under Russian influence, noting that its adoption is already causing significant strain in relations with Western nations.
The Georgian authorities, however, insist the bill is about “transparency and defending sovereignty.” They have labeled their critics as the “Global War Party” and accused “external forces” of orchestrating the protests.
On Saturday, Zourabichvili vetoed the controversial law. However, the ruling party has enough votes to override the presidential veto.
The bill was vetoed by Salome Zourabichvili, the Georgian president, but this is expected to be overturned by parliament.
Some of the summonses, civil.ge added, contain only the case number, with no information on the charges or the subject of the investigation, while others refer to specific articles of Georgian criminal law concerning the occupation or blockading of a broadcasting facility or other vital facilities.
Human rights activists said that the court orders are intended to intimidate opponents of the bill.
They added that people summoned for interrogation are not legally obliged to appear before the police. They recommend requesting an interrogation in court, where the charge and status of the summoned person must be officially presented, and the presence of a lawyer is mandatory.
The police summons could add to the political tensions surrounding the bill, which stipulates that legal entities and media outlets receiving more than 20% of their budgets from abroad must register as agents of foreign influence.
Opponents also warn that it could lead to Georgia falling back under Russian influence, noting that its adoption is already causing significant strain in relations with Western nations.
The Georgian authorities, however, insist the bill is about “transparency and defending sovereignty.” They have labeled their critics as the “Global War Party” and accused “external forces” of orchestrating the protests.
On Saturday, Zourabichvili vetoed the controversial law. However, the ruling party has enough votes to override the presidential veto.
Source:
More In Politics MORE...
