Georgian civil society condemns prosecutor raids on NGO leaders

A coalition of Georgian civil society organizations has condemned a series of early-morning searches conducted by prosecutors at the homes of NGO leaders and activists, calling the actions politically motivated and part of a broader crackdown on dissent.

The raids, which took place in the capital Tbilisi, targeted the residences of figures including TV presenter and founder of the Nanuka Foundation, Nanuka Zhorzholiani; her daughter, activist Mariam Geguchadze; Mariam Bajelidze, another activist; Aleko Tskitishvili, head of the Human Rights Center; and Guga Kheladze, founder of the foundation For Each Other 24/7.

According to civil society representatives, minor children were present during some of the searches, which they say were carried out without proper legal justification or transparency.

“The use of state power to disrupt the activities of such foundations is not only morally unjustifiable, but also aims to criminalize the expression of sympathy and silence those who fight for dignity and justice,” said representatives of several NGOs during a joint press briefing.

Organizations endorsing the statement include the Open Society Foundation, the Center for Economic Policy Research, the European Orbit of Georgia,Democracy Research Institute, Transparency International Georgia, and the Human Rights Center.

The Prosecutor’s Office later issued a statement confirming that the searches were conducted as part of an investigation into alleged “sabotage and assistance in hostile activities.” The investigation, launched in February, reportedly focuses on the financial activities of several NGOs accused of supporting individuals charged with disrupting public order, including by covering fines and providing logistical support for recent anti-government protests.

“Court-authorised searches were carried out to obtain evidence regarding the participation of certain organizations in financing persons accused of serious crimes against public order,” the statement read. Authorities claim that the targeted foundations supported individuals involved in illegal acts during pro-European demonstrations and accuse them of “materially encouraging lawbreakers.”

The searches follow months of large-scale protests that erupted after the ruling Georgian Dream party announced it would delay any further steps toward European Union accession negotiations until at least 2028. Demonstrators have been demanding new elections and the release of those they call “prisoners of conscience”.

Since November, the government has tightened laws on public assembly, banning face coverings and lasers at demonstrations, increasing fines, and extending the maximum period of administrative detention from 15 to 60 days.

The investigation was reportedly triggered by a complaint from United Neutral Georgia, a movement established in 2024 that echoes the messaging of the ruling party. Critics argue that the group’s claims serve as a pretext for silencing pro-democracy voices and undermining Georgia’s civil society sector.