Atlantic Council expresses “deep concern” over search of employees’ homes in Tbilisi

The US-based Atlantic Council think-tank has raised alarms over searches conducted in the homes of its employees in Georgia, just days ahead of the country’s elections. The searches, involving employees Eto Buziashvili and Sopo Gelava, were conducted by the Ministry of Finance’s investigative service on Thursday, targeting several locations across Tbilisi and Kutaisi, including the American firm Concentrix Georgia at Vake Plaza.

In an official statement, the Atlantic Council emphasized its commitment to monitoring the situation closely, reaffirming its support for Georgian democracy and its mission to counter harmful foreign influence efforts. “Our Georgian colleagues, Sopo Gelava and Eto Buziashvili, are engaged in independent, nonpartisan work aimed at protecting and strengthening democracies from online threats, including research related to foreign influence efforts and the targeting of marginalized groups,” the statement noted, highlighting the “critical nature” of their research.

The Council expressed trust that Georgian authorities would clarify the motives behind their actions, ensuring the safety of those involved and returning seized property.

The organization further underlined the Atlantic Council’s “long-standing support” for an independent and democratic Georgia, as well as its aspirations to join transatlantic institutions.