Law reform

A journalist holds a sign labelling a draft law currently under discussion in Georgia as "a Russian law" during a protest staged in front of the Parliament on 2 March, 2023. The government is facing domestic and international calls to backtrack on plans to adopt a "foreign influence agents" bill as critics say it mimics a similar law in Russia.
A journalist holds a sign labelling a draft law currently under discussion in Georgia as "a Russian law" during a protest staged in front of the Parliament on 2 March, 2023. The government is facing domestic and international calls to backtrack on plans to adopt a "foreign influence agents" bill as critics say it mimics a similar law in Russia. © Gvantsa Seturidze/IWPR

Draft Law on Foreign Agents Sparks Outcry in Georgia and Abroad

Ruling party says that bill ensures transparency; critics argue it mimics Russian laws and will crush EU integration.

3 Mar 23
Armenian servicemen in frontline trenches separating the Armenian-controlled territory from the Azerbaijani forces in Nagorny Karabakh, pictured in May 2016. A draft law proposed to the possibility for conscripts to pay off part of the mandatory military service, rising concerns about bringing to the military ranks the country’s gap between rich and poor.
Armenian servicemen in frontline trenches separating the Armenian-controlled territory from the Azerbaijani forces in Nagorny Karabakh, pictured in May 2016. A draft law proposed to the possibility for conscripts to pay off part of the mandatory military service, rising concerns about bringing to the military ranks the country’s gap between rich and poor. © Monica Ellena

No War for the Rich: Army Bill Sparks Controversy in Armenia

Proposal would see soldiers allowed to make a hefty payment to the state so as to drastically reduce the time they serve.

8 Nov 22
A screenshot from Belarus' state Channel One shows the trial of human rights activists from Viasna, the country's oldest human rights advocacy group. Authorities outlawed it in 2003, but it continues to operate in exile. Viasna is one of the rights’ groups which has called on the Belarusian legislators not to pursue the withdrawal from a UN Human Rights body.
A screenshot from Belarus' state Channel One shows the trial of human rights activists from Viasna, the country's oldest human rights advocacy group. Authorities outlawed it in 2003, but it continues to operate in exile. Viasna is one of the rights’ groups which has called on the Belarusian legislators not to pursue the withdrawal from a UN Human Rights body. © Belarus' state Channel One

Belarus to Leave UN Human Rights Body

Belarusian citizens denied justice at home may no longer be able to appeal to a last resort committee.

6 Oct 22
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