Georgia’s ruling Dream Party has decided to drop a controversial draft media law modelled on legislation operating in Russia.
This follows two nights of mass protests, widely reported in the international media, against what opponent saw as a move towards authoritarianism and jeopardising the country’s plans to join the EU.
The legislation would have required Georgian media bodies and NGOs receiving 20% or more of their funding from abroad to register as “foreign agents”.
Speaking on Twitter, Josep Borrell Fontelles, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said: “Georgians took the streets to express their aspiration for democracy and European values. These peaceful protest were strong and moving to see.
Announcement to withdraw the draft law on “transparency of foreign influence” is a good sign, now concrete legal steps need to follow”.