The Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia on Monday seized the bank accounts of five non-governmental and charitable organizations, accusing them of financially supporting individuals involved in ongoing protests against the Georgian Dream Government’s decision last year to halt EU integration until 2028. The Tbilisi City Court approved the seizures at the prosecutor’s request.
The authorities claimed the organizations in question provided logistical support for rallies and financial assistance to the families of those detained during the demonstrations.
Officials have labeled these actions as “encouraging persons committing unlawful and criminal acts.” The investigation, launched in February, falls under the broader case of alleged sabotage and hostile activities.
The affected organizations include Nanuka’s Foundation (charitable foundation), Prosperity (charitable foundation), Fund for Each Other 24/7 (charitable foundation), Shame (Sirtskhvilia NGO) and the Tbilisi Human Rights House (NGO).
The Prosecutor’s Office cited financial records indicating that transactions from these organizations were labeled with descriptions such as “necessary equipment for the action,” “what is needed for the fight,” “purchase of inventory for the actions,” “purchase of pyrotechnics,” and “purchase of airsoft guns for the children of front line.” Officials claimed these transactions demonstrated an effort to provide material incentives for individuals engaging in illegal activities.
“These funds are primarily used to financially support individuals accused of organizing and participating in group violence, as well as their family members,” the Prosecutor’s Office stated. “In addition to financing violent acts, they create incentives for individuals to engage in illegal activities for material benefits.”
The move comes amid months of mass demonstrations sparked by the ruling Georgian Dream party’s decision not to pursue European Union accession negotiations until 2028. Protests have continued for over 100 days since November 28, 2024, demanding early elections.
Security forces initially responded with water cannons, tear gas, and pepper spray to disperse protesters.
In response to the unrest, the government tightened restrictions on demonstrations, banning the use of face coverings and lasers at protests, increasing fines for blocking roads, and extending the maximum period of administrative detention from 15 to 60 days.
Despite these measures, the protests have persisted, with seized organizations allegedly assisting demonstrators in covering fines.
