Georgian Constitutional Court rejects claims for suspending foreign agent law

TBILISI. Oct 9 (Interfax) - The Georgian Constitutional Court has rejected claims from Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, opposition parties and non-government organizations for suspending the law on Transparency of Foreign Influence, the court press center said.

The Constitutional Court recognized some of the claims as partially acceptable, which implies their further consideration, the press center said.

The law on Transparency of Foreign Influence took effect in Georgia on August 1. It compels non-governmental organizations and media outlets financed from abroad at over 20% to get registered with the National Public Register Agency. The foreign agent law's approval by the Georgian parliament caused protests of the Georgian opposition and a highly negative reaction of the United States and the European Union, which partially suspended the provision of financial assistance to the Georgian government.

It also triggered harsh criticism of the Georgian authorities by the opposition and Western politicians who believe that the law infringes civil rights.