Opposition leader criticizes seizure of NGO funds in Georgia

Nika Gvaramia, a leader of the Coalition for Change, has condemned the Georgian authorities’ recent move to freeze the bank accounts of several NGOs and charity organizations, calling it an act of repression against organizations that provide financial assistance to those facing politically motivated fines.

“We will not hand over a person who has done extraordinary things recently, nor any of these funds, because we know where this leads,” Gvaramia said. “We know what it means when evil seizes good, when hate seizes love. We know what it means when the Soviet Union seizes Europe, just like Georgian Dream is doing now. We will not allow this.”

Gvaramia specifically highlighted the importance of Nanuka’s Foundation, one of the affected organizations, led by a journalist Nanuka Zhorzholiani, whom he praised for addressing critical social issues that should have been handled by the state. “These are the funds that help people unjustly fined by the authorities,” he added.

On March 17, 2025, the Georgian Prosecutor’s Office, based on a court order, froze the bank accounts and financial assets of five organizations: 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 authorities claimed the organizations in question provided logistical support for rallies and financial assistance to the families of those detained during the demonstrations. Officials 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.