The Department of State of the United States of America reacts to the attempt to pass the Russian law with a critical statement and says that Georgia’s western trajectory is at risk. Department of State also emphasizes that the government’s narratives on the law are false.
“The United States condemns the Kremlin-inspired “foreign influence” legislation advanced in Georgia’s Parliament earlier today and the false narrative government officials have adopted to defend it. Members of the ruling party have been clear that the intent of the law is to silence critical voices and destroy Georgia’s vibrant civil society, which serves as a critical check on government in any democratic nation,” we can read in the statement.
Department of State also announces that this law and the anti-Western rhetoric of Georgian Dream put Georgia on a dangerous path, and the statements and actions of the Georgian government are incompatible with democratic values, which are the basis of EU and NATO membership, and undermine Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration path.
“Statements that misrepresent foreign support to Georgia – which we have been providing for thirty-two years to strengthen Georgia’s economy, democracy and ability to hold back Russian aggression – essentially undermine the strong relationship we have established with the Georgian government and Georgian people.”
At the end of the statement, the State Department emphasizes that it stands by the Georgian people and supports their right to have their voice heard.
“We condemn the use of violence against peaceful protests, including against journalists covering the demonstrations. Use of force to suppress peaceful assembly and freedom of speech is unacceptable, and we urge authorities to allow non-violent protesters to continue to exercise their right to freedom of expression.”
On May 1, the Parliament approved the Russian law in the second hearing. Citizens gathered again at the legislative body. The protest lasted for about 12 hours. The authorities used special forces against the citizens, who recklessly used water cannons, tear gas and pepper spray, as well as rubber bullets, which the Ministry of Internal Affairs denies, although journalists saw and photographed rubber bullets on the spot, and injured people had wounds on their bodies, and they said that rubber bullets hit them.