The Women’s Initiative Supporting Group (WISG) clarified on Monday that its complaint against Georgia’s contentious ‘foreign agents law’ was indeed filed with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg. This statement came after government-aligned media outlets circulated claims suggesting that NGOs, including WISG, had not submitted the complaint.
Addressing Misinformation Spread by Government-Affiliated Media
In a recent social media post, WISG countered what it described as misinformation, stating that government-aligned sources inaccurately reported that no complaint had been lodged with the Strasbourg Court. According to WISG, the organization formally submitted the complaint on October 17, 2024. An accompanying document from the carrier service confirmed that the court received the complaint on October 22, 2024. WISG’s post emphasized that these reports were misleading and aimed at discrediting the NGO’s efforts.
The timing of these claims comes amid rising tensions over the foreign agents law, which many NGOs argue restricts freedom of association and expression. WISG reiterated its commitment to challenging the legislation through legal means, highlighting the necessity of international oversight to ensure justice and transparency.
Legal Process for the Strasbourg Complaint Underway
WISG explained that their case is currently in the registration phase, a standard procedure for the Strasbourg Court, which receives a high volume of cases annually. The group noted that the complaint’s status does not reflect any delay or irregularity, countering any implication of negligence or procedural lapses on their part.
The Strasbourg Court’s process involves a thorough examination and registration of each case, and given the case volume, delays in registration are not uncommon. WISG has assured its supporters that the complaint will proceed as expected, underlining that procedural steps are strictly adhered to in international human rights courts.
The Context of the ‘Foreign Agents Law’ and NGO Pushback
The foreign agents law has sparked significant backlash among civil society organizations in Georgia. This legislation requires NGOs and media outlets receiving more than 20% of their funding from foreign sources to register as “foreign agents.” Critics argue that the law stigmatizes civil society groups and imposes undue restrictions on NGOs, many of which are involved in advocacy for human rights, transparency, and democratic governance.
WISG’s decision to bring the matter before the ECHR signals a move to garner international scrutiny and challenge what they deem a violation of European human rights standards. NGOs in Georgia and abroad have voiced concerns that the foreign agents law resembles similar laws in Russia and other countries where civil liberties are increasingly restricted.
Legal Proceedings in Strasbourg: What Comes Next?
With the registration process underway, the next steps involve a preliminary assessment by the Strasbourg Court, after which the case may proceed to the merits stage. This is where both sides will have the opportunity to submit detailed arguments and evidence. Given the potential impact on Georgian civil society, the case has garnered attention as it underscores the role of international courts in upholding rights within Europe.
For now, WISG and other NGOs continue to wait for confirmation of the case’s formal acceptance, a development that could shape the future of Georgia’s civil rights landscape. The outcome of this case could have broad implications, not only for NGOs but also for how Georgian law aligns—or conflicts—with European human rights standards.
