NGOs Seek Constitutional Court Action to Revoke 'Foreign Agents' Law
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, May 31, 2024
Non-governmental organizations have applied to the Constitutional Court, requesting the repeal of the "Foreign Agents" law. The organizations have stated that if the Constitutional Court does not act promptly, they will resort to alternative legal actions. Additionally, they are preparing to submit a complaint to the European Court of Human Rights.
"Georgian non-governmental organizations continue the legal battle against the Russian law. We declare that we will not live by the rules of this law and will use all domestic and international mechanisms to impede its operation until it is unconditionally repealed.
We are preparing a lawsuit to be submitted to the Constitutional Court, which we will address in the near future. The Constitutional Court can use the powers granted by the Constitution to suspend the operation of the relevant articles of the law.
However, we do not consider the Constitutional Court to be the only way to fight. Our legal efforts will continue in other directions as well if the court does not act promptly and within the constitutional framework. We will pursue alternative legal dispute paths. At the same time, we are preparing to submit a complaint to the European Court of Human Rights, which we will address at the appropriate time.
All non-governmental organizations and media affected by this law can become participants and join us. Together, we will win. No to the Russian law, yes to Europe!" the statement reads.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze responded to the statement made by NGOs regarding the Strasbourg court. He stated that the management team has thoroughly examined the practices of the Strasbourg court before initiating the "Transparency on Foreign Influence" law and assured that the law passed by the Parliament of Georgia fully aligns with Strasbourg's practices.
Kobakhidze was asked by journalists whether the government would adhere to the decision of the Strasbourg court should the court decide to suspend the law. In response, Kobakhidze referenced the "Rustavi 2 case", stating that Strasbourg "made the decision under political influence" at that time.
"I hope that the Strasbourg court will not be under such political influence, and therefore, everything will proceed in the best interests of our state," said the Prime Minister.
