Strasbourg Court begins merits examination of Georgia’s “Foreign Agents Registration Act” case – GYLA

The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) says the European Court of Human Rights has started examining on the merits a case challenging Georgia’s so-called Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).

Speaking at a press briefing, GYLA Chair Tamar Oniani said the organization filed the complaint with the Strasbourg court in 2025 on behalf of six applicants.

According to GYLA, the case was lodged on behalf of three organizations — GYLA, Studio Monitor and Georgia’s Ambebi — as well as three individuals: Nona Kurdovanidze, Nino Zuriashvili and Gela Mtivlishvili.

GYLA argues that the law violates rights protected under the European Convention on Human Rights, including freedom of association, freedom of expression, the right to an effective remedy, the prohibition of discrimination, and limits on the misuse of restrictions on rights.

Oniani said the court’s communication indicates the case may be granted impact-case status, meaning it could be reviewed under a priority procedure due to its potential significance for Georgia and other Council of Europe member states.

She also said the Georgian state has been given until July 21, 2026 to submit its position to the court.