Who is behind Georgia's controversial new media law? | DW News
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 16 май 2024
- The president of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili has repeated her opposition to a controversial media bill that critics describe as a threat to free speech. The bill - which was passed on Tuesday- requires media organisations and NGOs to register as 'foreign agents' if they receive more than 20 percent of their funding from abroad. DW's Maria Katamadze reports from the Georgian capital Tblisi on who is behind the new law and why opponents are so concerned.
Subscribe: ruclips.net/user/deutsche...
For more news go to: www.dw.com/en/
Follow DW on social media:
►Facebook: / deutschewellenews
►Twitter: / dwnews
►Instagram: / dwnews
►Twitch: / dwnews_hangout
Für Videos in deutscher Sprache besuchen Sie: / dwdeutsch
#georgia #zourabichvili #medialaw
Georgia deserves better future than russia.
Even Russians deserve a better future than Russia.
And now its warranted🎉
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Let me guess, because Georgians are genetically superior to Russians, or they just got used to Soviet times, when Russians subsidized higher standards of living of Georgians?
Georgia deserves nothing, strictly based on being called Georgia. If tomorrow Russia and Georgia randomly agree to swap names, than now-Russia, renamed to "Georgia" suddenly deserve better future than real Georgia, or what?
Your statement is irrational and ridiculous.
And what Russia has to do with this? Can you please explain to me?
Why forcing NGOs to speak MORE (about their funding) is a "threat to free speech"?
Outright banning MSMs in the EU is considered as "protection of free speech"
The Russian "Foreign Agent Bill" is a threat to democracy because it stifles dissent, suppresses independent media, and restricts civil society, which are crucial elements for democratic functioning.
The law labels NGOs, media outlets, and individuals receiving foreign funding as "foreign agents," creating a stigma that discredits their work and isolates them from society. This discourages opposition and activism against government policies.
Organizations like Memorial, one of Russia’s oldest human rights groups, have been labeled as foreign agents, limiting their ability to operate effectively. Media outlets designated as "foreign agents" face intense scrutiny, financial burdens, and are required to label all content, reducing their credibility and reach. Independent media outlets such as "Meduza" and "Dozhd TV" have been targeted, leading to a reduction in independent journalism and critical reporting on government actions. The law imposes onerous reporting requirements and legal hurdles, leading to fines and shutdowns of NGOs and civic organizations. According to Human Rights Watch, since the law's enactment, numerous NGOs have been forced to close, undermining grassroots advocacy and social movements.
The broad and vague criteria for being labeled a "foreign agent" discourage individuals and organizations from engaging in political activities or accepting foreign funding.
By weakening civil society and independent media, the law reduces the diversity of voices and opinions in the public sphere, which is essential for democratic debate and accountability.
In summary, the Russian "Foreign Agent Bill" threatens democracy by creating a hostile environment for dissent, undermining the independent media's role in scrutinizing power, and restricting the operations of civil society organizations.
Stay strong people of Georgia ❤
If people of Georgia doesn't want that law, then it shall not pass. I saw very large crowd protesting against the law, so Georgia's parliament must respect peoples opinion.
Laws are not made based on angry mobs.
Ngo financed angry mobs.
democracy is about % , relatively it was a small crowd.
Yeah as well as the French parliament had to respect people's opinion last year about the pension reform.
@@poweedlo how about the farmers protests? Some protest are supported by state media others are not.
Can we discover a pattern here?
those law restrict National Endowment for Democrazy money sent to Georgia
regime change fund
The laws restricts 5th column subversives from destabilising the country from within. Why are western governments so furious over this law? They protect Georgia from any foreign interference, not just Western but also Russian. They are enacting similar laws introduced in Germany and other EU nations banning Russian media. Why all this hypocrisy?
Could this be a new Maidan in Slovakia or Georgia directed by CIA ?
you really belive that peoples desire to have democracy instead of the russian totalitarianism is a CIA brainwashing, dont you?
The maiden revolution is well documented and all the organisers are known, and day to day logs are available through social media posts and videos.
Russia infiltrated the Ukrainian government and people of Ukraine freed themselves.
Stop this conspiracy circle nonsense and puck up a history book.
Stop letting Russia fill your head with anti USA nonsense.
Democracy means, that you accept the results of an election dear.@@vasilimacharadze139
No, because the CIA is not that powerful, in either case -- even if, hypothetically, it might wish to be.
Yes it is possible together with Mossad
This is a serious violation of American & Westerns Laws😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
As long as it goes against US interest it is "controversial." Therefore vote wisely on media-touted "controversial subjects. "
Students in Georgia can protest but students in the democratic US cannot. France using force to end uprising in new calledonia 😮
How is asking NGOs to register as a foreign organization if they are getting funded by foreigners as threat?
The Russian "Foreign Agent Bill" is a threat to democracy because it stifles dissent, suppresses independent media, and restricts civil society, which are crucial elements for democratic functioning.
The law labels NGOs, media outlets, and individuals receiving foreign funding as "foreign agents," creating a stigma that discredits their work and isolates them from society. This discourages opposition and activism against government policies.
Organizations like Memorial, one of Russia’s oldest human rights groups, have been labeled as foreign agents, limiting their ability to operate effectively. Media outlets designated as "foreign agents" face intense scrutiny, financial burdens, and are required to label all content, reducing their credibility and reach. Independent media outlets such as "Meduza" and "Dozhd TV" have been targeted, leading to a reduction in independent journalism and critical reporting on government actions. The law imposes onerous reporting requirements and legal hurdles, leading to fines and shutdowns of NGOs and civic organizations. According to Human Rights Watch, since the law's enactment, numerous NGOs have been forced to close, undermining grassroots advocacy and social movements.
The broad and vague criteria for being labeled a "foreign agent" discourage individuals and organizations from engaging in political activities or accepting foreign funding.
By weakening civil society and independent media, the law reduces the diversity of voices and opinions in the public sphere, which is essential for democratic debate and accountability.
In summary, the Russian "Foreign Agent Bill" threatens democracy by creating a hostile environment for dissent, undermining the independent media's role in scrutinizing power, and restricting the operations of civil society organizations.
I can see Georgia feeling threatened since they were invaded in 2008
@@steverolf5279 Georgia invaded South Ossetia... Kinda like how Hamas invaded Israel. Russia retaliated pushing back the Georgians, kinda like how Israel pushed back Hamas.
Why would Georgians NOT want to know who are foreign funded? Seems to me the only ones who would oppose such a law are foreigners. Hmmm we have a similar problem here... weird
They already know who gets funds from abroad - all organizations are already obliged to file their accounts, so this isn't about transparency.
@@silvasdamata but they can disguise outside influence by not revealing their status as foreign agents.
So it IS about transparency
@@LordEriolTolkien The sole reason for this law is to intimidate and jail everyone who publicly opposes the goverment, we've had this before. The EU also said that the passing of this law would complicate Georgia's candidacy status as an EU member.
@@leriku2270 yeah nah. Sounds like the EU trying to bully Georgia via NGO corruption. Just like everywhere else in the West.
If the EU and the Media are For it, I am Against it
Georgia For The Georgians
Not the EU or Foreign NGO's
@@LordEriolTolkien Who's disguising what? Why are you assuming that local organizations are evil because they receive funds to enact THEIR OWN projects? Do you even know what these organizations do? I've worked closely with NGOs in three different countries and only saw this level of paranoia in one: Cuba. Coincidentally, this paranoia against NGOs followed steps towards thawing the relationship between the US and Cuba, during the Obama administration. As soon as Trump took office, he rolled everything back, and so did the Cuban government, to the detriment of both parties. Who stood to gain? Russia. They, not the US or the EU, are the agitators brooding chaos in the world.
We saw what happened to the wagner commander, the people cant let this happen or it will be the last of their freedom. Keep protesting
This law applies in USA since 1938. Why can't they have the same law in Georgia ?
No, they don't have this law, Companies don't have to regristrate if they are mostly owned by foreign Countries or companies
In US similar law targets russian influence. in Georgia it targets western (democratic) influence
Not the same, despite Russians pushing that narrative hard
@@vasilimacharadze139 Tell Afghans, Iraqis, Syrians, Libyans, Vietnamese, etc. about the beneficial effects of Western democracy...
@@Siberian_Bear72 i love russians speaking about afgans and syria.
Im glad people there are speaking up and taking to the streets to express their discontent. We all get mad at how different media cover the news, but it's super important not to have a government dictate on what is reported and how.
Excellent decision.
No outside money .
Excellent coverage!
"Critics say" What critics? And who is funding them?
Not russia anyway…. In my case no one is funding me, can’t make my mind up without funding, unlike you
This law will reveal who is funding them. That's what they don't like about it.
@@bojanm986 what knowledge do you have about Georgian situation that enables you comment on this?
Or is it your uninformed, just common sense based opinion?
@@davidberi2520 your account was created march 2022 and has a generic (first name) (last name) (bunch of numbers), who are funding you to write this?
@@davidsamkharadze-test2036 the knowledge I didn't get from DW, BBC, CNN, unlike you.
I don't think it is a bad law. Think about it, if China or Russia funds an NGO in the West, the NGO or organization should be labeled as foreign agent. It is common sense.
According to the law the people being investigated also need to provide data (if they are asked) describing their sexual life. What do you think about this kind of transparency? Is it also okay?
@@nikolozbuligini9646 i didn't know about that part. The media only highlights the funding issue which I think is okay. He who pays the piper, controls the music. Citizens should know if an organization is funded by foreign governments as such organizations tend to promote the agenda(s) of their sponsors.
Also the law makes no mention of Russia, only mentions the west.
Also it allows the government to launch an investigation into any organization from a single anonymous tip. And they can raid and confiscate any equipment including personal phones and laptops.
Effectively the law allows them to stop any media or NGO in one day with no questions asked.
Also the law prevents them from joining Europe because it treats Europeans as foreign agents and the EU says that every citizen of the union must have the same rights in every member state.
Was wondering what's happening in Georgia lately with this bill of utmost importance.
it's TBI-lisi
not TIB-lisi
The bigger question is, who is behind these protests?
They wear masks to hide their identity. I'm sure they are good upstanding citizens that work and contribute to society 🤣
With at least 10000 NGOs there is no wonder people are on the streets and we in the west have a lot of experience in organizing these sort of events.😂
The people of Georgia are behind these protests.
the biggest question is when will Russia give back the territory they took illegally in 2008
@@steverolf5279 Is still Georgia, but since the puppet after rose revolution shelled it they probebly need troops there to protect the population. How about we europeans would give back all the land we have stole all over the world, maybe give back USA and Canada for starters? No i didn't think so.🤡
Big, long , heavy . . .
Who was behind 🇺🇸 media law 1938?
Russian bot clue if I ever saw one.
That's a good law 🇺🇸
Why are so upset, money down the drain? It's been going on for many many years so i guess it is stacking up, we even got a foreign agent as president.😂😂😂
Who is behind the protests, more to the point!
The same people behind HK 2019 riot.
There protest because there against pass bill the bill called russia bill the people Georgia its against the bill
The people of Georgia are behind the protests.
The very NGO's that this bill will expose..
everyone who doesnt want to end up as a Russian republic
"A critical, independent and investigative press is a lifeblood for a healthy democracy". Nelson Mandela
💙💛💪 🇬🇪💪🙋♂️🇫🇮
Georgians just be carefull of american people that gives you cookies 🤗
One thing is for sure. Rich people want tax breaks and autocrats don’t like dissent.
Nailed it
And the true leader of the government is both at the same time
U$ EU worry the new law expose their assets in others country.
This isn't true, tax reports already contain the information on where every organization's funds come from.
who invaded Georgia in 2008
Nice people, cha cha is nice 😅
There are requirement to be part of EU. Whether there is a law whether NGO get funded or not is not one of them. Ask Turkey, a country that is richer and more powerful how are they doing with their EU application?
The law prevents Georgia from joining the EU.
That's because it would treat Europeans differently.
European law says that every European citizen should have the same rights as local citizens in every country of the union.
With the new Georgian law, if for example a German wants to open a media company in Georgia, they are labeled as a foreign influence agent.
Also the law is Russian style and not Western style, meaning it is written in authoritarian ways.
It makes mention of the west, but not Russia, and it allows the government to launch an investigation and raid any offices from a single anonymous tip that they aren't transparent with their finances, and confiscate any equipment, including personal phones and laptops.
In other words the new law makes the government stop any media companies they don't like, immediately, without questions asked.
That's why it is incompatible with Europe.
@@sergio7248We European Citizens dont want Georgia in Europe! Georgia belongs to the Caucasus!
Georgia needs that law just like USA and Israël got the same Law!
@@sergio7248 BS , like they said ro Ukraine, either you trade with us or with Russia, you can't have both. Look at how that want back in 2014, Russia was ready to let them have both, but now we pushed and that devided the country. I don't understand how anyone can bee that foolish to belive that EU wants to save you when it is obvious that our main interest is to lure you away from Russia and that goal is more importent then if you would die in the process.
i see a second ukraine here. good luck
Malawi amake junior
Lets Go my brothers and Sisters🇬🇪🇬🇪🇬🇪keep protesting. Tomorrow i will be there
What do they mean "pulling Georgia away from Europe" ? LOL there's an entire sea separating the Eastern tip of Europe and Georgia!
Georgia probably wants to be in the EU because of the weak Russian economy and Russia invaded them in 2008
some 5 % of Georgia is Europe , GEOGRAPHICLY SPEAKING.. And then there are some other boundary-definitions (at least 3 of them) , according to them larger percentage is in europe. Of course, judging by various anti-LGBT rallies it's hard to imagine how Georgia is europe.
@@mamuka815 it has nothing to do with being Europe or not but they probably want to be with Europe or the EU because of how poorly Russia's economy performs and the nations Russia control do not perfrom well economically
Everyone seems very bothered about Georgian government wanting transparency in who is funding organizations that try to influence the Georgian people. I wonder why?
And how about people and organizations with Russian money behind them ? Are they going to be registered as foreign agents too ?...And those people and Russia, are famous for being transparent about their finances 😂
This isn't about transparency, those organizations are already obliged to disclose their accountancy records, same as anywhere else. This is a about social control.
@@anatolyexdid someone say they should not? The law is supposed to be a law: no matter where you get your money from if you get it from outside you must be transparent.
@@poweedlo read my comment . Quote: "And those people and Russia, are famous for being transparent about their finances " ...Explanation for "extra gifted": This is called SARCASM.
Updates: 📰🗞️📰🗞️ “Been that way for 30 years.” - U.S. Justice Department on the lack of Human Rights in Oklahoma County Jail, 2020
“Makes me feel human again after this place.” - Oklahoma City Art Museum review after life in the local shelters (20+ years in the making), 2024
“It is said that no one truly knows a nation until one has been inside its jails. A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones.” - Nelson Mandela 🥂🥂
When parliament elections?
Once again, thank you Russia for this and for contributing hugely to world peace and to openness to the international community
I hope you're being sarcastic.
Russia invaded Georgia in 2008, is that world peace
why does the west want georgia to become a second ukriana?
you mean, why georgians prefer democracy to russian totalitarianism?
one could say they were first. Remember weak Putin invaded them in 2008
They want to be the next Ukraine😂😂
Another manipulation and war happening in this country.
The war already happened in 2008. It seems you missed it
@@nikolozbuligini9646 The West had lost... look at the amount of lives that had been saved in comparison to Ukraine.. where the West did win in turning Ukraine against Russia.
@@MrCykotickiwi As far as I know the war is still going on. As long as Ukrainians keep fighting they believe it’s worth it. I don’t care what is the West’s gain out of all these. I just don’t want my country to be part of Russia. Don’t tell me it’s not a real threat, 20% of Georgia’s territory is currently occupied by them.
they were first, weak Putin invaded them in 2008
The same people behind HK 2019 riot
The people of Hong Kong were behind the Hong Kong protests for freedom. I don’t think Hong Kongers have any influence in Georgia. 😂😂😂
Y’all keep acting like this in Georgia , Russia will be involve.
Are you saying that as a suggestion that they should cower out of fear of Russian intervention? Do you think it's right that Russia, or any country, should impose their agenda on other countries, at gun point? If Russia does anything, it will be another unjustified aggression, not the Georgians' fault.
@@Por0 Help Ukraine then.
weak putin might invade them for a second time?
@@steverolf5279 Everyone is weak. Only God oh mighty is not
@@kwtinternational4451 welll he's exceptionally weak needing to invade in other countries for no reason, he also has a weak economy, and for some reason meddles in everyone's business
Europe is dying so where will Georgia go if not to rassia 😂😂😂😂😂😂
why is weak Putin so scared of the EU
Why everyone is so concerned about what's going on in Georgia, Western media 😏
😅U$ EU worry the new law expose their assets in others country.
@@happymelon7129 You're repeating yourself.
The West want to open up another front against Russia.
Afraid they won't be able to keep secretly manipulating Georgians.
well they were invaded by weak Putin in 2008
This law bill must be prevented NO MATTER WHAT. If not then the future of Georgia is in great danger.
Fight on people send get the ruling party out.
Why is this law bad?
@@rf5595 The Russian "Foreign Agent Bill" is a threat to democracy because it stifles dissent, suppresses independent media, and restricts civil society, which are crucial elements for democratic functioning.
The law labels NGOs, media outlets, and individuals receiving foreign funding as "foreign agents," creating a stigma that discredits their work and isolates them from society. This discourages opposition and activism against government policies.
Organizations like Memorial, one of Russia’s oldest human rights groups, have been labeled as foreign agents, limiting their ability to operate effectively. Media outlets designated as "foreign agents" face intense scrutiny, financial burdens, and are required to label all content, reducing their credibility and reach. Independent media outlets such as "Meduza" and "Dozhd TV" have been targeted, leading to a reduction in independent journalism and critical reporting on government actions. The law imposes onerous reporting requirements and legal hurdles, leading to fines and shutdowns of NGOs and civic organizations. According to Human Rights Watch, since the law's enactment, numerous NGOs have been forced to close, undermining grassroots advocacy and social movements.
The broad and vague criteria for being labeled a "foreign agent" discourage individuals and organizations from engaging in political activities or accepting foreign funding.
By weakening civil society and independent media, the law reduces the diversity of voices and opinions in the public sphere, which is essential for democratic debate and accountability.
In summary, the Russian "Foreign Agent Bill" threatens democracy by creating a hostile environment for dissent, undermining the independent media's role in scrutinizing power, and restricting the operations of civil society organizations.
Russian bot
🇷🇺❤️🇵🇸🤜🏼🇮🇱🇺🇦🇹🇼
Law has just been vetoed by president. So, russian bots, time to go and have some vodka
🇵🇸🤜🏼🇮🇱🇺🇸🇪🇺🇯🇵🇰🇷🇹🇼🇮🇳🇦🇺🇵🇭