On May 12, 2024, the Shinano Mainichi Shimbun published an article authored by Professor Maiko Ichihara of the Graduate School of Law, entitled “Call to Action for Georgia’s Stability.” In this article, Professor Ichihara stated that Georgia is in a dangerous situation due to a proposed “foreign agents” bill, which requires media outlets and NGOs that receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as organizations “acting in the interest of foreign countries,” making it difficult for them to receive foreign funding.

She warned that if this bill is passed, it could jeopardize Georgia’s status as an EU candidate country, which has already led to large-scale protests by citizens. Furthermore, she mentioned concerns that if the government collapses due to these massive demonstrations, Russian President Vladimir Putin might perceive it as a revolution orchestrated by the West and could intervene at various levels. Therefore, she emphasized that the international community needs to stand with the Georgian people who oppose the bill and urge the ruling party to withdraw the proposal.

https://www.shinmai.co.jp/news/article/CNTS2024051100948