IZOLYATSIA expresses its support for the people of Georgia
IZOLYATSIA expresses its support for the people of Georgia in their struggle against the law on foreign agents, which bears a clear imprint of Russian influence. For many years, the IZOLYATSIA Foundation has collaborated with Georgian organizations to overcome the consequences of Russian aggression and colonialism. In the IZONE space, Georgia's project was presented at the Venice Biennale 2015 — Crawling borders — dedicated to the illegal seizure of Georgian territories by the Russian authorities. Together, the Foundation held residencies in Tbilisi and Kyiv, and the Soviet Mosaics in Georgia project served as inspiration for the Soviet Mosaics in Ukraine project. Currently, the foundation is working with colleagues from Georgia on new projects, which will be announced later.
The foundation agrees with the position of the Georgian opposition and independent journalists: the so-called law on foreign agents is nothing more than an attempt by the Russian authorities to penetrate Georgian society and undermine democracy from within. The law on foreign agents is a dangerous tool that can be used to restrict freedom of speech, assembly, and association in Georgia. It forces non-governmental organizations receiving funding from abroad to register as "foreign agents" ("organizations acting in the interests of a foreign power").
As a result, this may lead to discrimination, persecution, and restrictions on the activities of these organizations. Additionally, this law can be used to create a negative image of non-governmental organizations and undermine public trust in them. We believe that this law poses a threat to democratic values and human rights in Georgia. We call on the international community to oppose this law and protect democracy and human rights in Georgia.
It is important to value Georgia's independence and its democratic, liberal ideals. Freedom of speech, assembly, and association are fundamental human rights that must be protected and supported.
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