A controversial ‘foreign agent’ law in Georgia that would have labelled nonprofit legal entities and mass media as foreign agents if more than 20 per cent of their total revenue came from foreign sources has been withdrawn.

The ruling came following protests organised in Tbilisi, as well as European and international criticism.

The law would have required the creation of a special register under the Ministry of Justice to track media and civil society organisations.

The Europe Foundation released a statement condemning the bill, saying it ‘wishes that the Parliament of Georgia would not support the antidemocratic law that goes against the country’s aspirations and its democratic development.’

The Foundation was just one of many voices speaking out against it. European membership organisation Philea released a statement following the news that the bill would be withdrawn, saying it was ‘pleased’ to see this outcome.