NGO CENN publishes a statement on the official Facebook page, regarding registration as an Organization Pursuing the Interests of a Foreign Influence.
"CENN strongly opposes the adoption of the law "On Transparency of Foreign Influence" in Georgia, which was approved by the Georgian Parliament despite numerous appeals from the international community and widespread mass protests, in clear violation of democratic principles.
CENN has repeatedly emphasized in its public statements that this law hurts the Constitution of Georgia, endangers the country's European integration, contributes to destabilization, and stigmatizes the civil society and media sectors, all of which negatively impact the country’s development.
The aforementioned law requires all non-governmental and media organizations registered in Georgia that receive more than 20% of funding from abroad to register in a designated database of organizations acting in the interests of a foreign power. If an organization does not comply with this requirement, it will face financial penalties, and the Ministry of Justice will automatically register it regardless.
CENN fully disagrees with the aforementioned law and its requirements, as they conflict with our values, vision, and activities. However, given the current crisis in the country, our priority is to preserve the civil society sector. This responsibility compels us to take all necessary actions to ensure that both our organization and the sector as a whole can continue their vital work, which has benefited Georgian society for more than 25 years in full compliance with the law and with a deep respect for the public.
For this reason, CENN has made the difficult but necessary decision to comply with the legal requirement and follow the registration. This will allow us to continue advocating for and working toward a more democratic and free future for Georgia.
We believe in the Georgian people and are confident that, through a collective effort, the country will soon continue its path towards European integration. In this process, the role of each of us is crucial — together, we must contribute to the democratization of our nation", - the document reads.
