New legislation in Georgia curbing civic, political rights and freedom of expression raises serious concerns, OSCE human rights office says

WARSAW, 6 March 2026 – Amid ongoing protests and the deterioration of the democratic and human rights environment in Georgia, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) expresses deep concern over the new legislative amendments approved on 4 March that sanction civil society organisations and other recipients of foreign funding, ban them from joining political parties  and running for public office, further constrain international financial assistance to civil society, and criminalise activities deemed to “delegitimise” the government.

The new legislation would have a detrimental impact on the rights to freedom of expression and of association, and severely limits political and public participation. The broad scope of the law could potentially impact not just independent civil society organisations and human rights defenders, but also individual experts, consultants, or service providers.

Harsh criminal penalties as well as broadly and vaguely defined terms such as ‘mass disobedience’ or ‘extremism’ that may provide the basis for prosecution are not in line with rule of law standards on legal certainty and predictability, and risk arbitrary enforcement. Criminalising any foreign funding without prior government authorisation, with penalties of up to six years’ imprisonment, is a disproportionate measure that would undermine the work of civil society organisations critical to the government. 

Previously, ODIHR has warned that legislation regulating the work of civil society organisations could severely limit their activities. In March 2025, the Office also expressed concern over changes to the regulation of demonstrations and other forms of assembly, noting that the foreseen sanctions are overly severe and incompatible with international human rights standards. 

All OSCE states have recognised the importance of civil society for a thriving and prosperous democracy. They have also agreed to respect the right to establish political parties and provide “guarantees to enable them to compete with each other on a basis of equal treatment.” 

The Office continues to offer its support to Georgia in ensuring that laws are in line with international democratic standards and that the human rights of all citizens are respected.