“Civil society is such an important actor and media as well in Georgia, and both civil society and media are important pillars of any democracy in the world.
And it’s important to note that civil society represents a whole array of interests that support the Georgian population. Civil society organizations represent persons with disabilities. They protect children from abuse. They protect women from domestic violence. They promote better healthcare.
They promote economic development through working with farmer associations and business associations; they promote youth engagement. So, if this law were to pass, it would certainly negatively impact those organizations that many Georgians rely on in terms of the services they provide,” John Pennell stated.