TI Georgia denounces Anti-Corruption Bureau’s ruling as “unjustified”, “threatening” to civil liberties

Transparency International – Georgia on Tuesday condemned the Anti-Corruption Bureau’s recent ruling, which designated the organization and its director, Eka Gigauri, as entities with electoral purposes. The organization argued this decision was “unfounded” and posed a “significant threat” to freedom of speech and expression in the country.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau on Tuesday declared that Transparency International – Georgia and another organization, Vote for Europe led by director Khatuna Lagazidze, would be subjected to the restrictions outlined in the domestic law. As a result, both organizations have been instructed to submit financial reports and disclose bank account information used for election purposes within five days.

Transparency International – Georgia has opposed this classification, asserting that it misinterpreted the legal definition of an entity with an electoral goal as defined by the Law of Georgia On Political Unions of Citizens. The organization emphasized its commitment to Georgia’s European aspirations, “a stance it has consistently communicated in public statements”. They maintained that their activities aligned with the Constitution of Georgia, which reflected the desires of the majority of the population.

“The decision of the Anti-Corruption Bureau is groundless and aims to undermine our monitoring efforts,” stated the organization. “We operate within the framework of the Constitution of Georgia and will take appropriate legal steps to contest this ruling.”

Civil society advocates like International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy and Georgia’s Young Lawyers’ Association have also expressed alarm over the implications of this decision, warning that such an interpretation of the law could set a dangerous precedent for restricting the activities of non-governmental organizations in Georgia.