Georgia’s ruling party adopted the controversial foreign agents’ law in its third and final reading by 84 votes against 30 on May 14, amid widespread local protests and despite fierce opposition from the West.

The law “On Transparency of Foreign Influence”, reintroduced by the Georgian Dream party despite its defeat last year amid mass protests, will force foreign-funded NGOs and media organizations to register as “organizations pursuing the interests of a foreign power”. There are widespread fears that it will be used to stigmatize critical voices.

Despite passing the final reading, President Salome Zurabishvili has promised to veto the bill.