Georgia’s Prosecutor’s Office confirms searches of NGO founders

The Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia has issued its first official statement following a series of controversial searches carried out at the homes of founders of several domestic organizations, citing “concerns over national security” and alleged hostile foreign involvement.

The office on Tuesday confirmed that searches had been conducted to obtain “information and documentation of evidentiary value” as part of a wider investigation into allegations of sabotage, attempted sabotage under aggravating circumstances, and collaboration with foreign entities deemed hostile to the state.

The probe, launched after a formal complaint by the group Neutral Georgia, which is affiliated with the ruling Georgian Dream party, has targeted five foundations – the Nanuka Foundation, Prosperity, the Foundation for Each Other 24/7, Sirtshvilia (Shame), and the Tbilisi Human Rights House. Authorities alleged that the organizations were involved in financially supporting individuals accused of serious crimes against public order, including covering administrative fines during ongoing protests against halted EU integration.

Court-approved search warrants were executed at the residences of several civil society figures, including Nana Zhorzholiani, Aleksandre Tskitishvili, Lasha Arveladze, Guga Khelaia, and Mariam Bajelidze. The Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that the searches were conducted both at the individuals’ official and registered addresses.

However, those targeted have suggested the raids were primarily aimed at confiscating electronic devices. “Investigators appeared focused on seizing mobile phones and computers,” one of the individuals told local media, describing the rest of the search as “superficial.”

The investigation has sparked concern among rights groups and opposition figures, who view it as part of a broader clampdown on civil society and dissenting voices.

Neutral Georgia, the organization whose complaint triggered the probe, is led by Vato Shakarashvili, a vocal supporter of the current government.