Rep. Joe Wilson, a Republican from South Carolina, is set to introduce the Mobilizing and Enhancing Georgia’s Options for Building Accountability, Resilience, and Independence (MEGOBARI) Act, which calls for sanctions on officials from Georgia due to the passing of a controversial Russian-style foreign agents law. Wilson, who chairs the Congressional Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, expressed concern that the ruling Georgian Dream party and the Kremlin are not taking the United States seriously. The MEGOBARI Act aims to show that the United States will respond to actions that go against the Georgian people’s dedication to freedom and a pro-Western future, and signals Congress’s commitment to a strong relationship between the two countries.
The proposed MEGOBARI Act outlines measures such as visa bans for key individuals in the Georgian Parliament who advocated for the foreign agents law, as well as sanctions on those in political, governmental, business, law enforcement, and security positions responsible for advancing similar legislation or suppressing opposition. The bill requires the identification of individuals undermining democracy, human rights, or security in Georgia within 60 days of enactment, as well as reports on Ukraine-related sanctions evasions and Russian intelligence assets in the country within 90 days. The bill aims to hold accountable those responsible for actions contrary to the interests of the Georgian people and their relationship with the United States.
The passing of the Russian-style foreign agents law in Georgia has sparked widespread protests and opposition from Western allies, while receiving praise from the Kremlin. The ruling Georgian Dream party reintroduced the bill, which has been criticized for its similarities to a law adopted by Moscow in 2012 that was used to suppress dissident voices and opposition. President Salome Zurabishvili vetoed the law, stating that it contradicted European standards and obstructed Georgia’s path to European integration. The bill is now back in the Georgian Parliament, where lawmakers will decide whether to override the veto or shelve the law indefinitely amid ongoing public protests.
The MEGOBARI Act is part of efforts to hold Georgian officials accountable for actions that threaten democracy, human rights, and security in the country. The bill reflects concerns about the influence of Russian intelligence elements in Georgia and aims to address potential evasion of Ukraine-related sanctions in the region. The proposed legislation underscores the United States’ commitment to supporting the Georgian people’s aspirations for freedom and a Western-oriented future, and sends a strong message that actions undermining this relationship will have consequences. The bill aligns with broader efforts to counter Russian influence in Eastern Europe and promote democratic values in the region.
The Georgian populace has been actively mobilizing against the foreign agents law, with tens of thousands participating in demonstrations against the legislation. The bill’s reintroduction by the ruling party has raised concerns among pro-democracy activists and Georgia’s Western allies, who fear a crackdown on dissent and independent media similar to what occurred in Russia after the implementation of a similar law. Amid growing protests and international condemnation, the decision on the fate of the foreign agents law rests with the Georgian Parliament, which faces pressure to uphold democratic principles and align with Western norms rather than adopting legislation that stifles freedom of expression and dissent.
The reintroduction of the Russian-style foreign agents law in Georgia has reignited tensions between the ruling party, opposition groups, and the broader international community. The proposed MEGOBARI Act represents a legislative response to actions taken by Georgian officials that threaten democratic values and the country’s relationship with the United States and other Western allies. In the face of ongoing protests and concerns about Russian influence in the region, the bill signals a commitment to supporting Georgia’s pro-democracy movement and defending its aspirations for a future aligned with European standards and values.
