Georgia Reinstates Treason Law and Advances Foreign Agents Bill

The Georgian parliament has reinstated the article on “Treason” in the criminal code — a provision that had been abolished during Mikheil Saakashvili's presidency — and has also passed its law on foreign agents, Orda reports.

Under the updated criminal code, Georgia criminalizes espionage, the disclosure of state secrets, sabotage, rebellion, and entering into unconstitutional international agreements.

Authorities stated that removing the treason article under Saakashvili’s administration was an attempt to evade accountability.

According to Anadolu, the newly adopted foreign agents bill closely mirrors the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). However, the Georgian version significantly broadens the scope: It applies not only to non-profit organizations receiving foreign funding but also to individuals. Non-compliance could result in criminal charges.

Meanwhile, former President Mikheil Saakashvili remains imprisoned and was handed two additional sentences within the same week.

Original Author: Anastasia Prilepskaya