Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party has unveiled proposed legislative amendments that would dramatically expand state control over foreign-funded civil society organizations, independent media, and politically active groups, triggering alarm among rights advocates, journalists, and legal experts who warn the country is on the brink of a full-scale crackdown on independent voices.

According to draft amendments obtained by OCCRP’s Georgian partner organization Monitori, the proposed changes would require nearly all foreign financial or in-kind support for non-governmental organizations, media outlets, and individuals engaged in public or political activity to receive prior government approval. Failure to comply could result not only in heavy sanctions but in criminal penalties of up to six years in prison.

Critics say the proposed measures go far beyond transparency or accountability rules and instead amount to a system of preemptive censorship and financial strangulation of civil society.

The amendments represent a significant escalation from Georgia’s existing legal framework governing foreign funding. In 2025, the government passed a Grant Law that required disclosure of foreign funding and imposed fines for violations. While controversial, that law was comparatively narrow in scope and did not criminalize the receipt of unapproved funds.

The new proposal, however, fundamentally changes the state’s relationship with independent organizations. It would expand the legal definition of a “grant” to encompass almost any form of support – including monetary donations, training, consulting, research assistance, and even pro bono technical services – if the government deems the support to be provided “with the belief or intent of exerting any influence” on public policy.

Legal experts warn that such vague language could be used to target routine journalistic work, policy research, advocacy campaigns, or even........

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