The United States has suspended $95 million in aid to Georgia following the adoption of legislation by the Georgian parliament related to foreign agents. Critics argue the law mirrors a Russian statute used to stifle political dissent and has incited weeks of mass protests.
Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, announced the decision to withhold the aid, which would have directly benefited the Georgian government, citing “anti-democratic” actions taken by Georgian authorities.
In addition to the aid suspension, the US has already imposed visa bans on several Georgian politicians and law enforcement officials for suppressing free speech, particularly among those advocating for Georgia’s integration with the West.
“The Georgian government’s anti-democratic actions and false statements are incompatible with the norms of EU and NATO membership,” Blinken stated in a press release issued as he traveled from Singapore to Mongolia during a six-nation tour of Asia.
Despite the aid suspension, Blinken emphasized that the US would continue supporting programs in Georgia that promote democracy, the rule of law, independent media, and economic development.
He reaffirmed the US’s commitment to the Georgian people and their aspirations for Euro-Atlantic integration, noting that the US has provided over $6.2 billion in assistance to Georgia since its independence from the Soviet Union.
The Georgian parliament passed the controversial legislation in May, overriding a veto from the president.
The law mandates that media and nongovernmental organizations register as “pursuing the interests of a foreign power” if more than 20% of their funding comes from abroad.
Critics contend that the legislation resembles measures used by the Kremlin to suppress dissent and could hinder Georgia’s efforts to join the EU.
