The leader of Georgia’s parliamentary majority, Mamuka Mdinaradze, has defended the recent seizure of several NGO bank accounts, stating there is no reason to doubt the prosecutor’s findings. He argued that both evidence and personal observations align with the claims made by the Prosecutor’s Office.
Mdinaradze accused the targeted organizations not only of encouraging violence but also of attempting to “dismantle state functions.” He argued that any financial support aimed at covering fines for individuals who violate laws is a form of “moral insurrection” against the country.
“There is another problem besides what has already been said today. These funds were not only promoting violence but were also working to undermine the very functions of the state. When someone commits an offense and is fined, and an organization steps in to pay that fine, it effectively nullifies the preventive role of penalties. This is an attempt to erode state authority and can be even more harmful than the crime itself,” Mdinaradze stated.
He went on to claim that by covering fines for protesters, these organizations were actively encouraging unlawful behavior, thus directly challenging the legal system. He further alleged that international donors, including EU and USAID-funded organizations, had contributed to these efforts by financing such payments.
“Fines serve a preventive purpose in every country. If an external force takes on the burden of paying these fines, the state’s deterrent mechanism is removed. This is nothing short of an attack against the nation under the guise of so-called ‘moral’ justification,” Mdinaradze added.
On Monday, the Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia seized the bank accounts of five non-governmental and charitable organizations, alleging that they had been financially supporting individuals involved in ongoing protests against the Georgian Dream government’s decision to halt EU integration until 2028. The Tbilisi City Court approved the asset seizures at the request of prosecutors.
Authorities claim the organizations provided logistical support for rallies and financial assistance to families of those detained during demonstrations. Officials have framed these activities as “encouraging unlawful and criminal acts.” The investigation, launched in February, is part of a broader case concerning alleged sabotage and hostile activities.
The affected organizations include Nanuka’s Foundation, Prosperity, Fund for Each Other 24/7, Shame (Sirtskhvilia NGO), and the Tbilisi Human Rights House.
