US halts $95 million in assistance to Georgia in response to adoption of controversial foreign agent legislation, prompting demonstrations.

The Biden administration has decided to halt $95 million in U.S. aid to Georgia following the passage of a controversial law by the Georgian parliament. The legislation, which requires media and non-governmental organizations to register if they receive over 20% of their funding from abroad, has been compared to a Russian law known for suppressing political dissent and sparking mass protests in Georgia.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the decision to suspend aid was a result of a review initiated in May after the law was approved. Blinken criticized the Georgian government’s actions as “anti-democratic” and stated that the U.S. had imposed visa bans on Georgian officials for stifling free speech, especially voices supporting Georgia’s alignment with Western nations.

Despite the aid suspension, Blinken emphasized that the U.S. will continue to support programs in Georgia that promote democracy, independent media, the rule of law, and economic development. He affirmed the U.S.’s commitment to the Georgian people’s aspirations to integrate with European and North Atlantic organizations.

The law passed by the Georgian parliament in May, despite a presidential veto override, has raised concerns about its potential impact on freedom of speech and Georgia’s EU aspirations. Critics argue that the legislation bears similarities to laws used by the Kremlin to quell dissent and could hinder Georgia’s efforts to join the European Union.