Models of foreign influence transparency legislation, opinions of the Venice Commission and OSCE regarding the Georgian law, and parliamentary debates related to the adoption of the law were  discussed at the event.

This event was the first attempt to organize academic discussion on this topic in Georgia.

Working languages were English and Georgian. Simultaneous translation was ensured during the meeting.

The meeting was attended by Georgian and international scholars, lawyers and representatives of human rights defenders.

Nick Robinson – Senior Legal Advisor of the International Center for Non-Business Law (ICNL) (USA). His research deals with the issue of foreign influence legislation and the relationship with the civil sector. He has testified to the US Congress on the challenges to FARA. His research has appeared in numerous academic journals, including the Duke Law Journal, Cornell Law Review, and Minnesota Law Review.

Presentation topic: Foreign Influence Transparency Legislation and Civil Society – Comparative Overview.

Kakha Tsikarishvili, Member of the Union of Law Scientists, Professor of the Institute of Public Affairs of Georgia. He is the author of several academic articles on criminal law and judicial reform.

Presentation topic: Opinions of the Venice Commission and the OSCE on the law of Georgia on transparency of foreign influence; Parliamentary debates related to the consideration of the draft law.

Each presentation was followed by a discussion.

Before the start of the presentations, a welcoming speech was made by Sophia LIkhova – PHD, Professor and Chair of the Department of Criminal Law and Procedure of Kiev Aviation University, Honorary Member of Union of Law Scientists.

A video recording of the discussion can be found at this link: